Why should my child see a Psychologist?

Children and adolescents see psychologists for a range of issues including, but not limited to:

• Emotional problems (trauma reactions, stress, anxiety, depression, tantrums, suicidal thoughts and angry reactions)
• Relationship problems (social withdrawal, family conflict, poor peer relationships including bullying)
• Behavioural problems (school refusal, poor self control, drug and alcohol abuse, behaviour which is dangerous to themselves or others, lying, stealing and aggressive behaviour)
• Developmental problems (social skills, learning, attention, concentration and play difficulties)
• General Health and Wellbeing problems (eating Disorders, disturbed sleeping patterns, poor self care, self injury, physical symptoms expressing emotional distress).

How do I let my child know about seeing a psychologist?

It’s always important to let your child know in advance about going to see a Psychologist rather than springing it on them. It may also be important to reassure them that no one needs to know that they are seeing a Psychologist unless they choose to tell them.

Talk to your child and normalise that other kids have similar problems and see Psychologists too. Let them know that Psychologists who work with kids and teenagers know quite a bit about what affects kids and can find ways to provide support to them.

It’s also important to let your child know that they will not be forced to talk about or do anything that they do not want to say or do, and that it’s important that they feel safe and comfortable with their psychologist.

What happens in the first session?

The first session is an assessment session in which your Psychologist will want to obtain a good understanding of your current concerns and your child’s presenting difficulties. Feedback and recommendations are then discussed. Dr. D’Sylva and Associates aim to work in a transparent and collaborative way with your child and yourself, so it’s important you discuss any concerns you have with your Psychologist throughout the process.