Emotional Disturbance Counseling
Recognizing the Signs. Finding the Right Support.
Emotional and mental well-being is a critical part of living a healthy and fulfilling life. When a person’s emotional health is out of balance, it can affect every aspect of their existence—how they think, feel, behave, connect with others, and handle everyday stressors.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) defines emotional disturbances as any condition that disrupts a person’s ability to maintain mental stability, regulate mood, process thoughts, form healthy relationships, and manage the demands of daily life. These conditions may appear suddenly due to a traumatic event or develop gradually over time due to chronic stress, unresolved trauma, or underlying mental health disorders.
At Aloha Care Therapy in Las Vegas, we recognize that emotional disturbance doesn’t always look the same in every individual. Children and adults express emotional distress in different ways—and often, those signs are misunderstood or overlooked. That’s why our team of compassionate, licensed therapists is committed to providing a safe, supportive space where both children and adults can begin their healing journey.
Children and Emotional Pain: It’s Not Always What It Seems
Unlike adults, children are still learning how to recognize, name, and manage their emotions. When they experience emotional disturbances, they rarely have the language or insight to express what’s going on inside. Instead, their pain often shows up through behavior.
Signs of emotional disturbance in children may include:
- Frequent tantrums or emotional meltdowns
- Aggressive or oppositional behavior
- Hyperactivity or inability to focus
- Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or social activities
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Declining academic performance or refusal to attend school
- Low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness
Some children may become argumentative and act out. Others might become quiet, withdrawn, or excessively compliant. Because every child is different, emotional disturbance can be easy to miss or misinterpret as “just a phase.”
One key red flag is when a child who once thrived begins to struggle academically or socially. That may be the time to reach out for professional guidance. At Aloha Care Therapy, we specialize in child and adolescent therapy and can help you understand what’s behind the behavior and how to best support your child’s emotional growth.
Adults and Emotional Distress: When Pain Is Hidden
While children often express their emotional pain outwardly, adults tend to internalize their distress or hide it entirely. Many adults have learned to put on a brave face, keep up appearances, and push through emotional struggles without ever asking for help. Unfortunately, this often leads to long-term suffering and further disconnection from others and from themselves.
Adults struggling with emotional disturbance may show:
- Chronic anxiety, depression, or irritability
- Mood swings or emotional numbness
- Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships
- Poor work performance or sudden loss of motivation
- Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, or prescription misuse)
- Sleep issues, fatigue, or unexplained physical symptoms
- Avoidance of social situations or responsibilities
- Anger issues or emotional outbursts
While some adults may seek support from friends or family, many—especially men—may deny there’s a problem. They may turn to temporary coping mechanisms such as alcohol, overworking, or avoidance. Over time, these behaviors only mask the real issue, leaving them feeling even more isolated, misunderstood, or overwhelmed.
At Aloha Care Therapy, we help adults understand what they’re feeling, why those feelings may have developed, and how to heal from unresolved emotional wounds. Whether the cause is related to childhood trauma, relationship issues, grief, or daily stressors, therapy provides a powerful pathway to insight, relief, and recovery.
Why Recognizing the Symptoms Matters
Recognizing emotional disturbance—whether in a child or an adult—is the first, essential step toward healing. Left unaddressed, emotional stress can lead to serious mental health concerns such as chronic anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
When someone is emotionally disturbed, they may:
- Struggle to form or maintain relationships
- Feel disconnected from reality or their sense of self
- React defensively or aggressively to criticism or conflict
- Consistently challenge rules or resist authority
- Show a lack of empathy or concern for others
- Appear emotionally flat, distant, or detached
It’s not uncommon for people dealing with emotional disturbance to experience repeated failures in relationships, difficulty holding down a job, or trouble fulfilling responsibilities at home or school. They may feel “stuck,” like something is wrong but can’t quite name what it is.
The good news is: help is available—and healing is possible.
How Aloha Care Therapy Can Help
Our team at Aloha Care Therapy in Las Vegas is deeply experienced in treating emotional and behavioral challenges in both children and adults. We use evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to guide our clients toward understanding their emotions, managing their responses, and developing healthier coping skills.
We offer:
- Therapy for children and teens who struggle with behavioral or emotional issues
- Counseling for adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or stress
- Family therapy to support communication, conflict resolution, and healing
- Personalized safety plans when emotional distress is linked to abuse or danger
- Support in navigating life transitions, such as divorce, loss, or career changes
We provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where you or your loved one can feel safe to open up and begin to heal.
Accessible, Flexible, and Focused on You
We know that when someone is struggling emotionally, reaching out can be difficult. That’s why we make the process as easy and welcoming as possible:
- No waitlists – Most new clients can be seen within 72 hours
- Evening and weekend appointments – To fit your schedule
- Insurance accepted – We work with a wide range of plans
- Friendly staff to assist you – Real people who care from the first call
- Confidential care – Always respectful, always private
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child, an adult struggling silently, or someone trying to help a loved one—you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Today
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of emotional disturbance, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention can make all the difference. Call Aloha Care Therapy at (702) 935-0025 or contact us online to schedule your first session. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need someone to talk to—and that’s what we’re here for. Your healing starts with a conversation. Let’s talk.
