Ok.. never have dealt with a counselor for issue's before. So how does it work? What should I look for? Have a call into one for 5 yr old. What should I expect from the doctor?? Going in blind.
Finding a good counselor is like finding a spouse... you'll know it when you find "the one"! You want to find someone who works with young children and with whom you feel comfortable. Be clear in describing your son's challenges and be aware that you may not "hear" what you want to hear AND it's going to difficult to change your child's behavior and your responses to those behaviors. It will be worth it, but it's hard work!
it depends on what the issue is. You definitely want to find a counselor that has dealt with the issues your child is facing - at the child level. So, for example if it's a grief counselor... make sure they've dealt with Grief with a 5 year old and not just a grief counselor with adults.
Make sure your child likes them and feels comfortable with them, because probably many of the sessions will be just the 2 of them - does gender matter? that may also be a factor. So, you will want to do a meeting before the actual work begins.
Typically the first session will just be background - s/he'll ask the child what they like to do, how is school, what their room looks like, what they like to eat for dinner. Depending on the type of therapy they may have the child play with toys that are already in the room - or they may request your child bring their fave stuffed animal or toys from home.
It really depends on what the issue is for.
The main thing is that if you and your child aren't comfortable - keep looking. Just like with any other person sometimes you have to go through a few before you find one that clicks.
Oh -and make sure they accept your insurance or talk about billing with them.
Good look
Our son sees a behavioral therapist for his ADHD. Practices will vary by doctor but with ours, we attend sessions with our son there sometimes/sometimes not. It's mostly us talking to the therapist and then he'll ask our son questions when valuable (although our son doesn't always open up).
You'll explain why you're there and you should leave there with a list of strategies for improving the behavior and, if needed, a referral to a child psychiatrist or other specialist who can supplement therapy. Bring a list of your questions and concerns so you can get them answered. It's easy to forget once you get there.
You want a therapist you feel comfortable talking to and who takes you seriously. If you don't feel like it's a good match, move on. This is someone you're trusting to help your child and you really need to be confident the person can make a difference.
Don't be surprised if there's a long wait to get in for a first-time appointment. That's very typical but gets better once you're an existing client.
Good luck!
Do it only with referrals from your pediatrician. Ensure the counselor has some kind of degree in counseling and specifically in counseling children. Go for someone with experience too. Don't just pick someone from the phone book -- definitely get referrals and require someone with a degree. The office when you get there should be child-friendly and comfortable for your child to be in. And as someone else posted here, be ready to hear things you may not want to hear and to be open to changing not only your child's behavior but also your own behavior, spouse's behavior, family dynamics, family schedule and other aspects of the larger world where your child operates every day. Good luck and do your research first.
I would only do that on recommendations. Too many inept "counselors" out there. Good luck!
Did you ask your Pediatrician for a recommendation? That's usually the safest bet. We had to go because of our 3 year old! She really helped and steered us in the right direction. best of luck to you!
