Behaviour management
Approximately 1 in 8 children and adolescents grow up with behavioural or emotional challenges. While for some these difficulties may eventually settle, others will require help through professional support.
We all experience difficulties from time to time. There are ways that we as parents and caregivers can help children so they have the best opportunity of keeping mentally healthy. Oxford CBT provide a supportive non-judgemental space to help parents and caregivers best support their child’s needs and challenges with behaviour. If you are concerned or uncertain then please get in touch to find out more about how we can help.
Separation anxiety can be a serious emotional problem characterised by extreme distress when a child is away from their parent family member or guardian. With anxiety is difficult to establish whether or not a child simply needs time and patience to overcome their fears, or whether they would benefit from professional support to learn techniques and strategies to overcome their distress. We can work with the child and their parents to determine the issues and take steps to help.
Bedwetting can be caused by emotional stress brought on by traumatic experiences or interruptions in a child’s regular routine. Bedwetting can be a result of events like moving into a new house, starting a new school, or losing a loved one, for instance.
Every child develops in a unique way. While some could have little trouble maintaining their bowel and/or bladder continence, others might have a harder time learning the necessary skills. As they become older, children and teenagers may struggle with continence for a short while or long-term. This may include constipation, soiling themselves and more frequent need of the toilet.
Eating disorders can take a number of forms, but typically refer to an individual with an unhelpful attitude to food which is leading to anxiety and distress. This may result in them eating too much or too little, or becoming obsessed with weight or diet. Eating disorders may include anorexia nervosa, bulimia or binge eating and can affect both males and females of any age.
The cause, or reasons for selective mutism, are unknown. The majority of specialists think that children who display this have underlying anxiety and inhibition.
The majority of children who are selectively mute have significant social anxiety (phobia).
Parents generally assume that a child’s silence is a conscious choice.
The time we spend sleeping is vital in terms of our mental and physical health. The stresses and pressures of daily life can often have adverse effects on our sleep and whether or not we feel rested when we wake up. Although it varies for everyone, the average adult requires approximately 7-8 hours per night, and children can require up to 14 hours or more. If you or someone you know are suffering from persistent poor sleep or insomnia, we can help.
Treatment for behaviour management
In most instances, our initial assessments will dictate that we recommend children undertake a course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These sessions will help them learn strategies that will enable them to cope in situations which trigger anxiety and overcome their difficulties.
Alternatively, we may conclude that the specific difficulty they are experiencing may benefit from additional Psychological, Clinical or Occupational Therapy. Should this be the case, we will discuss our suggestions with the child’s parent/guardian and will not commence any therapy until they are comfortable with the decision.
Whichever therapy we provide, there is no doubt that it can be very helpful for children to talk to a professional who can understand their difficulties and can support them appropriately, allowing them to be more open and honest about their thoughts and feelings and learn how to overcome their difficulties.
Book an appointment
All clinicians at Oxford CBT practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or are Psychologists, providing evidence-based interventions and support for Depression and a range of other conditions for both young people and adults. If you would like more information, please visit our FAQ’s page or get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 01865 920077.
