10 Reasons Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Online Anxiety Counseling for Kids
Summer is a time of sun, fun, and freedom from the school year. Kids look forward to days at the pool, family vacations, and hanging out with friends.
But for some children, summer can also be a time of increased anxiety. With the lack of routine and the pressure to make the most of their free time, some kids find themselves feeling more anxious than relaxed. That’s where online anxiety counseling can make a big difference.
Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Online Anxiety Counseling for Kids
Here’s why summer is the perfect time for your child to start online anxiety counseling.
Flexible schedules
During the school year, kids have packed schedules. Between classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and family obligations, it can be hard to find time for counseling.
Summer offers a more flexible schedule, making it easier to fit in regular counseling sessions. Without the pressure of school, your child can attend sessions at times that are most convenient for them, allowing them to focus more on their mental health.
Less academic pressure
School can be a major source of anxiety for many kids. Tests, homework, and social pressures can build up and become overwhelming.
In the summer, these stressors are temporarily removed, providing an opportunity for your child to address their anxiety without the added burden of academic stress. This break from school can be an ideal time to develop coping strategies and tools to manage anxiety, which can then be applied when school resumes.
Time to develop new skills
Summer is a great time for kids to learn new skills, and managing anxiety is one of the most valuable skills they can develop. Online counseling can teach kids techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and various strategies that can help them manage their anxiety.
With more free time in the summer, your child can practice these skills and make them a part of their daily routine. By the time school starts again, they will be better equipped to handle stress and anxiety.
A supportive environment
During the summer, kids often have more time to spend with family and friends. This supportive environment can be beneficial for children undergoing counseling.
Parents, siblings, and grandparents can provide encouragement and help reinforce the techniques learned in counseling sessions. Friends can offer social support and understanding. A strong support system can make a big difference in your child’s ability to manage anxiety.
Access to outdoor activities
Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Summer offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and playing sports.
Online counseling can incorporate these activities into treatment plans, encouraging kids to get outside and engage in physical activities that can help reduce anxiety. Counselors can also suggest ways to incorporate nature and outdoor time into daily routines, providing your child with natural ways to manage their anxiety.
Continuity of care
For kids who are already receiving counseling during the school year, continuing with online counseling in the summer ensures continuity of care. This can be particularly important for children with ongoing anxiety issues.
Stopping counseling during the summer can lead to a setback in progress. Reducing the frequency of sessions to every other week or even once a month is preferred over stopping altogether.
Online counseling allows your child to continue their treatment without interruption, ensuring they maintain the progress they have made and continue to develop their coping skills.
Access to professional help anywhere
One of the greatest advantages of online counseling is that it can be done from anywhere. Whether kids are at home, on vacation, or visiting relatives, they can still attend their counseling sessions.
This flexibility is especially useful during the summer when families may be traveling. Online counseling removes the need to be in a specific location, making it easier to maintain a regular counseling schedule no matter where summer activities take you.
Building resilience for the future
Learning to manage anxiety is not just about dealing with current stressors; it’s also about building resilience for the future. The skills and techniques learned in online counseling can help kids handle future challenges more effectively.
By starting counseling in the summer, your child can develop a strong foundation of coping skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. This foundation can help them face future stressors with greater confidence and resilience.
Privacy and comfort of online anxiety counseling
Online counseling can offer a level of privacy and comfort that in-person sessions may not provide. Kids can attend sessions from the comfort of their own home, which can make them feel more at ease.
This is particularly important for children who may feel anxious about attending counseling sessions in an unfamiliar setting. Being in a familiar environment can help your child open up more and engage fully in the counseling process.
Technology-friendly generation
Today’s kids are very comfortable with technology. They use it for everything from socializing to learning. Online counseling fits seamlessly into their tech-savvy world.
Platforms used for online counseling are designed to be user-friendly and engaging, making it easier for kids to connect with their counselors. This familiarity with technology can make the counseling process feel more natural and less intimidating.
How to Get Started with Online Counseling
If you think online anxiety counseling could benefit your child, here are some steps to get started:
Research online anxiety counseling providers
Look for reputable online counseling services that specialize in working with children and adolescents. Review their websites carefully and check credentials to ensure you are choosing a qualified provider.
Set up a comfortable space
Create a quiet, private space at home where your child can attend their online counseling sessions without interruptions.
Discuss expectations of online anxiety counseling
Talk to your child about what to expect from counseling and encourage them to express any concerns or questions they may have.
Stay involved
While it’s important to respect your child’s privacy, staying involved in their counseling process can be helpful. Check in with them regularly and offer support as needed.
Be patient
Remember that progress takes time. Be patient and supportive as your child works through their anxiety with the help of their counselor.
In conclusion, summer is an ideal time for kids to start online anxiety counseling. With flexible schedules, less academic pressure, and a supportive environment, kids can focus on developing the skills they need to manage their anxiety.
Online counseling offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, making it easier to maintain continuity of care. By taking advantage of the summer months, kids can build a strong foundation of coping skills that will help them face future challenges with confidence.
If your child struggles with anxiety, consider exploring the benefits of online counseling this summer with Briefly Counseling. It could be the perfect time to start their journey toward better mental health.
Begin Online Anxiety Therapy with Briefly Counseling for Kids and Teens in Illinois and Florida!
If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, there is hope! Anxiety is highly treatable and online anxiety treatment at Briefly Counseling can help.
Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help kids and teens reduce their anxiety and build resilience so they can become a happier, more confident version of themselves.
And kids love being able to receive counseling from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Studies have consistently proven that online therapy delivers equal results to in-office counseling.
As an experienced and caring therapist, I love providing counseling for anxiety. To start your child’s counseling journey, call me at 224-236-2296 or email Helena@BrieflyCounseling.com to schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation.
Helena Madsen, MA, LCPC is the founder of Briefly Counseling. I specialize in providing online short-term anxiety treatment for kids and teens ages 7 – 18 as well as Christian counseling.
Whether you’re on the North Shore, in Naperville, Chicago, Champaign, Barrington, Libertyville, Glenview, or downstate Illinois, I can help.
And effective 2024, I am now licensed in Florida! For parents in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Destin, Crestview, Coral Gables, Weston, Parkland, Naples, Marco Island, and Pinecrest, I have immediate openings.
Schedule your appointment or consultation today. I look forward to working with your child to quickly and effectively help them in activating their strengths, resources, and resilience, in order to live with confidence and hope.
