School-Related Behavioral
Social anxiety disorder can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, and self-confidence.
Emotional Challenges
Children and adolescents may experience behavioral, emotional, or academic difficulties at school, ranging from disruptive behavior to bullying, anxiety, or social withdrawal
At Ahava Shalom Family Counseling Center, we understand that school can be a challenging environment for many children. Behavioral and emotional difficulties at school—such as disruptive behavior, anxiety, defiance, social conflicts, or emotional outbursts—are often signs that a child is struggling internally or that something in their learning environment is not working well for them
Our School-Related Behavioral & Emotional Challenges Counseling is designed to help children and families identify the root causes of these difficulties and develop healthy, effective strategies that support emotional well-being, learning, and positive behavior.
Understanding School-Related Behavioral & Emotional Challenges
Children may display a wide range of behaviors in school, including:
Difficulty following classroom rules
Disruptive talking or inability to sit still
Emotional outbursts or withdrawal
Aggression, fighting, or name-calling
Anxiety related to school performance or peer relationships
Rather than viewing these behaviors as “bad behavior,” therapy helps families understand that such actions are often expressions of:
Unprocessed emotions
Stress or anxiety
Learning differences
Social difficulties
Challenges in the child-teacher dynamic
Our Therapeutic Approach
Comprehensive Assessment
Therapy begins with a thorough evaluation of the child’s emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors. When appropriate, this may include collaboration with parents, teachers, and school personnel to better understand what the child is experiencing in the classroom and social settings.
Child-Centered & Family-Focused Therapy
We work with children and families to:
Help children identify and express emotions safely
Strengthen emotional regulation and coping skills
Improve communication between children, parents, and educators
Address family dynamics that may be impacting school behavior
How Therapy Helps Children at School
Our counseling services support children by helping them:
Develop emotional awareness and self-control
Improve classroom behavior and focus
Build social skills and peer relationships
Reduce anxiety and frustration related to school
Increase confidence and self-esteem
Learn problem-solving and communication skills
Parents are guided on how to reinforce these skills at home, creating consistency between home and school environments.
Collaboration With Schools & Teachers
When appropriate, our therapists can help families:
Identify possible mismatches between a child’s learning style and classroom expectations
Develop practical strategies with teachers to support the child
Create behavior support plans that are respectful and effective
Reduce shame or embarrassment for the child in school settings
Small adjustments—such as movement breaks, alternative ways to stay engaged, or discreet signals between teacher and child—can often lead to significant improvements.
Supporting the Child’s Emotional Well-Being
Children who struggle at school often feel misunderstood, discouraged, or labeled as “troublemakers.” Therapy emphasizes helping children feel:
Seen
Supported
Valued
Capable of positive change
We also help parents strengthen emotional connection with their child, reinforcing the message that they are loved, supported, and not defined by their struggles.
When to Seek Professional Help
Your child may benefit from therapy if you notice:
Ongoing behavior problems at school
Emotional distress, anxiety, or mood changes
Social withdrawal or peer conflicts
Declining academic performance related to behavior
Frequent calls or concerns from teachers
Low self-confidence or negative self-talk
Early intervention can prevent challenges from escalating and support long-term emotional and academic success.
Faith-Informed Counseling for Families
For families who desire it, Ahava Shalom integrates Christian values such as patience, compassion, accountability, and restoration into the therapeutic process. This holistic approach supports not only emotional growth but also character development and family unity.