AboutPam Dyson, MA, PLPC Expertise I specialize in working with children and families. I can address issues and problematic behaviors related to anxiety, depression, grief, abandonment, divorce, blended families, abuse, ADHD, peer difficulties, bullying, aggression and low self-esteem.
Experience I am a provisional licensed professional counselor with extensive training in play therapy.
Organizations American Mental Health Counselors Association, Board Eligible National Certified Counselor, Association for Play Therapy, Chi Sigma Iota,(Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International).
Education/Credentials BS in Family and Child Development, MA in Professional Counseling, Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC)
Can counseling ever be a bad thing, or is there an age in which it is just not appropriate?
I have a 3 year old daughter who I believe is very happy and healthy. Her mother, my ex wife, would like to take her to a child counselor because another child at her school told the children about Dafur and genocide. I'm told that since then she's been a little disconnected at school, does not play with her friends, and is afraid to go to school. I have seen her since then and around me she acts normal. So I'm wondering if counseling is just unnecessary here.
My ex wife is also of the opinion that it's ok to continue to take her to counseling for almost any issue. But I'm worried that she will begin to think she's got a problem, and I believe that my daughters mother is overthinking this issue. She's only 3 years old for gods sake.
Thank you,
Kevin
Answer Hi Kevin,
Children as young as three can benefit from counseling but traditional talk therapy is not appropriate as they do not yet have the verbal ability to share what they are feeling. Play therapy is more helpful to young children.
I work with many families who live in separate households and it's not unusual for one parent to see something that the other parent does not see when it comes to behaviors in their children. If the school is reporting concerns about your daughter than I suggest you talk to the school and find out the details. That will help you see things from another perspective.
