My Child Is Struggling – Why Should I Get Therapy?
Beyond the Highlights Reel: The Realities of Parenthood and How Therapy Helps
“How could I have missed this?”
“Why is this happening to my child? Is it something I did?”
“What am I supposed to do? I’m not an expert…”
Realizing your child is having a problem can be an emotionally crushing moment moment as a parent. Guilt, shame, and frustration can swirl through your mind, making it hard to be present when your child needs you most.
As a psychologist and a parent, I deeply understand the exhaustion, worry, and self-doubt that can arise when a child is having difficulties. These feelings are both normal and overwhelming. Therapy for parents can offer the clarity, support, and resilience you are seeking during challenging seasons.
When Your Child Struggles, You Feel It Too
Parenting in the best of times comes with ups and downs. When your child is experiencing a difficulty - whether with learning, behavior, social interactions, or anything else - it can take a serious toll on you as a parent. You have worked hard to be your child’s safe space, but with that comes the responsibilities of advocating for their needs, managing meltdowns, navigating school systems, and more.
The stress is real and significant. It is unfortunately common for parents to experience:
Chronic stress, anxiety, or sleep disruption;
Feeling “stuck” or unsure how to help;
Burnout or loss of joy in parenting;
Relationship strain (with partner, co-parents, teachers); and
Guilt or self-blame.
What Therapy For Parents Can Do
Maybe your straight-A student is suddenly bringing home C’s. Maybe you recently moved, and your social butterfly is crying every night because she can’t make friends at her new school. Maybe you visited the pediatrician and were shocked when they suggested you consider having your child tested for ADHD.
I’ve seen all of these scenarios and more in my work with parents over the years. You might not realize it, but therapy can:
Provide a Space for Emotional Relief and Validation: Feel heard without judgment. Sort through emotions like grief, anger, confusion, or fear.
Offer Practical Strategies: Learn tools to respond to your child’s behavior with confidence and consistency.
Improve Communication and Connection: Strengthen your relationship with your child—even during hard moments.Support You in Advocacy: Get guidance for navigating IEPs, school meetings, or accessing evaluations
Choosing Therapy Isn’t a Sign of Failure—It’s a Sign of Strength
Many of us have been taught that we should be able to handle all of our problems ourselves or that it is “selfish” to take time focused on ourselves when our child is struggling. Sharing something as personal as our parenting choices is scary, and feeling fearful of judgment is completely understandable.
My therapy clients are loving, dedicated parents who experienced the same fears when they first reached out to me. In our work together, however, they have learned that therapy is a proactive, relationship-centered tool that benefits the entire family system.
By investing in yourself, you are making sure you bring your best self to your parenting, and there is nothing selfish about that. High quality parent-focused therapy sessions offer a collaborative, affirming space where you can build on your strengths and get a fresh, informed perspective as you work through challenging problems together.
Is This You? It Might Be Time to Reach Out
Have you been wondering if you could benefit from therapy? If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you may want to reach out.
Are these true for you?
“I constantly worry about my child and don’t know what to do.”
“I feel like I’m failing, even though I’m trying my best.”
“I wish I had someone to talk to who gets this.”
“I want to parent more calmly, but I’m overwhelmed.”
You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone
Support is available and seeking help is a wise, courageous step
I specialize in helping parents and caregivers who are navigating complex parenting and educational challenges. If you're in Illinois and looking for online therapy that supports you, I’d love to help.
Sarah Gebhardt, Ph.D., NCSP
Hi! I’m a licensed clinical psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist with over 15 years of experience in schools and private practice. I help overwhelmed parents and educators feel more confident, supported, and equipped to navigate and find peace in caregiving.