Heart pounding or racing?

Feeling shaky, unsteady, dizzy or lightheaded?

Do you fear losing control or fear the worst happening?

Feeling like you are choking?

Having difficulty breathing?

You may be experiencing high stress or anxiety. Perhaps you are avoiding certain activities which increase your anxiousness. This can affect your relationships because other people don't seem to understand why you are avoiding these activities. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with worries. This can affect your ability to focus and concentrate or your ability to fall sleep or stay asleep.

Of course, you want to return to normal sleep, enjoy all of the acitivities that life has to offer, and restore relationships. Counseling is the solution.

Together, we can talk through the issues which are causing you distress. You may not be aware of exactly what is causing the distress. That's okay. Talking with your counselor about what's going on with you will help you to gain insight into the root causes of the stress and anxiety you are experiencing.

Sandy can equip you with an "Anxiety Reduction Toolbox" which will enable you to have coping skills at the ready. Sandy teaches a wide variety of anxiety reduction tools/exercises/activities from which you can choose the ones which work best for your unique situation.

Sandy has an excellent track recond of being able to help clients with anxiety. On average preteen and teenaged clients are helped in 6 to 10 sessions and most adults complete their counseling in 12 to 16 sessions, successfully having worked through their issues with anxiety. (Severe anxiety, such as found with Posttraumatic stress disorder, can require more sessions).

Take a look at an endorsement from a former client. (shared with permission):

Sandy helped my 10 year old overcome her anxiety and fears. Sandy gave her the tools she needed and now she is a happy, anxiety free girl. ~client's guardian*

Childhood Anxiety: Is My Child Freaking Out?

By Sandy Green, MSC, NCC, LPC

Does your child talk frequently about “freaking out”?

Does your child have worries or fears?

Does she have trouble falling asleep?

Does your child try to avoid certain people or places?

Does it seem that your son or daughter is much more sensitive than other children?

Many times I have found that children may have a tendency to hide their feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and other feelings in their behavior. This is fairly common among the children I have counseled. I am here to help and develop new ways of coping for your child. I will help to connect with your son or daughter and learn ways to help comfort and overcome these difficult times which have been driving your child’s behavior. Many parents who come to me are greatly concerned with their child’s behavior as they see the “acting out” as potentially harmful, disruptive and quite problematic. As a parent, you might be feeling confused, sad, or frustrated. You may be likely wondering why your child is not able to “just be a kid”, carefree, fun-loving, and curious about the adventures of life. Wouldn’t you love to see that again in your child? Let’s start with what you are observing now.

Here’s some signs to look for related to anxiety in your child

1. Anxiety in children may exhibit itself in sleeplessness, restlessness, trembling, breathing difficulties, a pounding heartbeat, unexplained stomach aches, hot/cold flashes, or feeling as if he is choking. Please keep in mind that these signs and symptoms may also be part of a medical condition. So it will be important for a pediatrician or trained medical professional to examine your child as well.
2. The anxious child may obsess over what others may say/think, be a perfectionist, clench his fists, rapidly shake her hands, over-eat, bite his nails, pull her hair, pick at his skin, or ask to stay home from school or events which most children find enjoyable such as a birthday party or sports activity. Unmanaged anxiety may lead to fights, destruction of things (property), tears, whining, frustration, and possibly depression.
3. Your child may fake being sick or beg to stay home from school or other activities because he doesn’t have the necessary skills to face his fears. Every child has worries or fears but if you are observing a pattern or repetition of these behaviors, your child may be struggling with anxiety.

What’s this going to cost me?

This is nearly always a concern for parents who want what’s best for their son or daughter. Many times parents don’t figure counseling as a part of their spending, however, nor did they ever want to see their child filled with worry, grief or anxiety. Having that relief in a private, confidential setting is very reassuring to parents as well as for the children we have counseled. Though the short-term has a cost, the long-term is most rewarding with a child more confident, more, self-assured, relaxed, and managing his/her emotions and behavior well.

How long will counseling last?

Many children facing anxiety as addressed in this article, once rapport and trust are established with the counselor, I have found they respond fairly quickly and positively. Thus, counseling is generally short-term helping your child overcome the struggles and emotional pain in few short sessions. However, there may be other difficulties under the surface as well as other situations that may take more counseling to sort out. Either way we look to setting up a plan of action with goals that we together strive to meet. Through this investment of resources, time and energy many families are pleasantly surprised with the results.

I have the experience, knowledge and training to help your family through these difficulties with your child. I have witnessed many successes with the children and their families I have counseled.

I use a variety of methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and other approaches depending on the needs of your child. I will help him to identify the triggers to anxiety and ways to cope and overcome them. Your child will learn new healthier ways to respond to those triggers. Learning coping skills for managing anxiety and daily stressors can make a significant difference in your child’s life.

Contacting a licensed counselor to set up an appointment for your child can be that first step getting your carefree, fun-loving child back again. I would count it a privilege to be that counselor for your child. Call me in San Tan Valley at 480-351-0306 to set up an appointment.