To think my daughter needs a therapist

[Grandp]

So, my 8 year old has been through a lot this past year, she has always been very sensitive and worries about things. However, I am blaming myself as I split from her dad around a year ago and we have moved house so had a lot going on. She has become absolutely terrified of the dark, checks all the doors and I can see she is constantly worried about things that the kids at school tell her which other children may just forget about. I remember when I was young and scared and it’s awful so most nights I sit and talk to her for a good hour to reassure her etc, I just want her to be happy and I could cry thinking she’s struggling.

Poor little one. Realistically if you want her to see a therapist you will have to fund it privately because the only alternative is CAMHS and their threshold to provide help is ridiculous.

I will fund it if it is the right way forward, however I don’t want to create something that isn’t there and it is normal, I can’t decide

That was at exactly the sane age. I couldn't tell my mum as she made it clear her sleep was very important. It wasn't a nice time but I grew out of it naturally without any help and no lasting effects.

Saying that it might help her to talk about it to someone.

Talking therapies don’t ‘create something that isn’t there’. The main problem will be cost as there are high barriers for any NHS services. There is also quite a lot of information/advice online

Hmmm. So she gets a whole hour of your uninterrupted time rather than go to sleep…. Whilst I’m not downplaying any anxiety, that’s a huge reward! Night light, door open, teddy on guard, music on quiet and brisk reassurance would be the way I’d be going. Don’t pathologise normal feelings. Give her the tools to deal with them herself.