As a parent, one of the hardest things to sit with is
watching your child struggle and not knowing whether
what you're seeing is a normal part of growing up or
something that needs more support.
There's no perfect checklist. But there are signs worth
paying attention to, and reaching out earlier almost
always leads to better outcomes than waiting.
I'm Janelle, a Registered Psychotherapist in Ottawa
working with children ages 7 and up. Here's what I
often tell parents who come to me with this question.
First, Trust Your Instincts
You know your child better than anyone. If something
feels off, if your child seems different than they
used to be, more withdrawn, more anxious, more
explosive, that instinct is worth taking seriously.
Parents often wait a long time before reaching out,
worried they're overreacting or that their child will
be stigmatized. But seeking support early is one of
the most powerful things you can do for your child's
long-term wellbeing.
Signs That Therapy Might Help
Every child is different, and none of these signs alone
means your child definitely needs therapy. But if you're
noticing several of these, especially if they've
persisted for more than a few weeks, it's worth having
a conversation with a professional.
- Increased anxiety or worry that gets in the way of
daily activities, school, or friendships
- Frequent meltdowns, anger outbursts, or emotional
reactions that feel out of proportion
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they
used to enjoy
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Declining school performance or school refusal
- Low self-esteem or negative self-talk ("I'm stupid,"
"nobody likes me," "I wish I wasn't here")
- Difficulty adjusting to a big change, a move,
divorce, new sibling, loss of a loved one
- Experiencing or witnessing something traumatic or
frightening
If your child has expressed anything that worries you
about their safety, please reach out to a professional
right away.
What About "Normal" Childhood Struggles?
This is the question I hear most often. And it's a
fair one.
Yes, some anxiety, moodiness, and emotional big feelings
are completely normal parts of development, especially
around ages 7-12 when children are navigating enormous
social and emotional changes.
The difference is usually in the intensity and duration.
If the struggle is significantly interfering with your
child's ability to function at school, maintain
friendships, or enjoy daily life, and if it's been
going on for more than a few weeks, that's when
professional support can make a real difference.
Therapy isn't just for crisis situations. It's also
incredibly valuable as a preventative tool, giving
children language and skills for their emotions before
those emotions become overwhelming.
What Child Therapy Actually Looks Like
One of the biggest barriers parents face is not knowing
what therapy for a child actually involves. Will my
child be forced to talk about things they don't want
to? Will it feel clinical and scary?
The short answer is no, at least not in my practice.
I use play-informed, age-appropriate approaches that
meet children where they are. For younger kids, that
might mean drawing, games, or creative activities that
help them express what they're feeling without needing
the words for it. For older children and preteens,
sessions look more like conversation, but always at
their pace, in a space where they feel genuinely safe.
I work in English and French, in person at my Ottawa
office and virtually across Ontario.
A Note on Confidentiality and Parent Involvement
I always respect my young clients' right to
confidentiality. At the same time, I strongly encourage
parent involvement when the child consents because
children do best when the people around them feel
informed and engaged.
In our first contact, I'm always happy to speak with
parents first to answer questions before we involve
the child at all.
Ready to Talk?
If you're not sure whether therapy is the right step,
that's exactly what a free consultation is for. We can
talk through what you're seeing, I can answer your
questions, and together we can figure out whether
working together makes sense.
No pressure, no commitment, just a conversation.
I work with children ages 7 and up, in English and
French, in person in Ottawa and virtually across Ontario.
Janelle Massicotte
Contact Me
