Test Anxiety Counseling Palatine, IL

Test Anxiety Counseling Palatine, IL

For many youngsters, adjusting to social situations, whether it’s a birthday party or a playdate, can be challenging which is why test anxiety counseling Palatine, IL families recommend may be the right step to take. Even if the child is excited and wants to attend the party or playdate, it may require patience and persistence from parents or counselors for the child to successfully navigate social situations without social anxiety. 

Many children in group and individual therapy suffer from some type of anxiety. They may be diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder, or merely need some tips on overcoming specific situations. Lotus Wellness Center provides test anxiety counseling Palatine, Illinois families recommend. We feel that a therapeutic approach may help to nip anxiety problems in the bud early on. We have the knowledge and experience that may be precisely what you or your child need to overcome social anxiety. 

Understanding Anxiety in Children

As children grow, they will experience anxiety at times. For example, a toddler might not want to be away from their parent, or he or she might be afraid of storms. The majority of these fears are short lived and can be soothed easily.

Children who have anxiety tend to struggle with fears or worries that cause a disruption in their life. They may struggle with school or developing friendships. They may be unable to participate in activities and withdrawal themselves from others. When anxiety is not treated in children, emotional and mental problems can develop. If you believe your child has anxiety, you should consider test anxiety counseling in Palatine, IL. At the Lotus Wellness Center, we can test your child so that the right treatment plan can be developed specific to his or her needs.

Types of Anxiety in Children

• Separation Anxiety – A child will fear being away from their parents or home.
• Social Anxiety – A child fears social situations or public spaces.
• Phobias – These are extreme fears that can cause exacerbated anxiety.

Symptoms of Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Ongoing stomach aches
• Ongoing headaches
• Refusing to go to school
• Not talking in certain situations
• Having many worries
• Repetitive actions, thoughts, or words
• Low self esteem
• Lack of self confidence

A team who has experience in test anxiety counseling Palatine, IL offers, such as therapists or counselors, should be sought for an accurate diagnosis. This is especially important because some of the symptoms can mimic those of depression and other mental health disorders. By addressing the symptoms of anxiety early on, effective treatment can be provided. 

Strategies for Social Anxiety

A parent or counselor providing Palatine, IL test anxiety counseling can help an anxious child by going over expectations for the party or event with them in as much detail as possible beforehand. This can bring to light which part of the situation causes the highest level of anxiety. Perhaps the child fears the unknown, being overwhelmed by a lot of kids or kids they are unfamiliar with or worry that they will not perform an activity competently or capably. Role-playing and scripting ahead of time with the child about the event may help to decrease anxiety by making the activity seem less threatening or overwhelming.

Additionally, some specific tactics may be recommended from a counselor providing Palatine, IL with test anxiety counseling including:

• Going to the location before the party or event and trying to make the child more comfortable with the setting.
• Arrive at the party or event with another invited child so that the youngster can walk into the party with a friend.
• Show up about 10 minutes early, when it may be less chaotic and will allow the child to warm up to the setting.  
• Hold initial playdates at your house, where the youngster already feels comfortable, and you can intervene, if necessary.
• Keep playdates short for the first few times.
• Make playdates well-defined with structured activities. A counselor providing test anxiety counseling in Palatine, IL will share with you that anxious children often have challenges with less structured playdates for fear of not knowing what to say or do.

If the child wants to sit and observe, that’s okay. He or she can be encouraged to participate or at least move a little closer. However, if watching is less anxiety-provoking, at least the youngster can attend the event and try again to be more engaged in the future. Lastly, our counselor providing Palatine, IL test anxiety counseling will remind you to praise the child for doing things that take them out of their comfort zone. Whether they can engage in a new activity, play with someone new, or merely sit on the outskirts of the event, playdate, or party, they should be rewarded for their progress.

Diagnosing Anxiety

At the Lotus Wellness Center, we offer thorough evaluation of children who are believed to suffer from anxiety. During the process, we will take a comprehensive developmental history of the child to understand what is going on in his or her life, the history of his or her behavior, as well as whether there are any health problems. We will also observe behaviors and interactions of/ with the child during the appointment.

We may ask you to complete a brief checklist or questionnaire. In some cases, further testing, such as speech testing, may be advised. Most of this testing involves games, activities, art, and so forth.

Once the evaluation is completed, we will help you to understand your child’s condition, as well as provide you with resources that can help him or her. Once you have visited Palatine, IL for test anxiety counseling, and an exam has been provided, a treatment plan can be developed.

Treatment for Anxiety

At the Lotus Wellness Center, we offer comprehensive treatment for children with anxiety, and anxiety related disorders, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Many children can be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy which helps children to change how they think and react about situations that trigger their anxiety. Anxiety treatment is tailored to your child’s own fears and anxieties. In some cases, if the therapy is slow to benefit the child, a doctor might prescribe medications. This is on a case by case basis, and only once we have an understanding of the child, your preferences for treatment, and so forth. 

If social anxiety becomes an issue that keeps rearing its ugly head, you can schedule therapy visits for your child. Lotus Wellness Center provides Palatine, IL residents with test anxiety counseling. We can work with your young one toward dealing with and overcoming social challenges and anxieties. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for test anxiety counseling in Palatine, IL if your child needs help and support with anxiety.