How common is parental separation among families seeking help?
A consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist writing on the clinic’s blog gives a rough answer. After 14 years of practice, the psychiatrist estimates at least 40% of the parents who consult about their child are divorced or going through a divorce. A higher number still face marital crises or heavy conflict. The figure is one clinician’s estimate, not a published clinic statistic, and the post dates from August 2024.
What questions do separating parents ask first?
The post lists four. How and when should you tell the child? How frequently should the child see each parent? Could time together create false hope of a reconciliation? What reasons should you give for the separation?
Its answer is blunt: no golden rule exists, and each family needs an individual answer. A consultation fits such a situation. The child psychology page says the first step is an initial consultation, in which the psychologist assesses your child’s difficulties and concerns. You then build a shared understanding and set clear treatment goals together.
What does the clinic’s child psychiatrist tell separating parents?
One firm rule concerns tone. The more peaceful and respectful the separation, the post says, the better for a child’s emotional wellbeing. The post says children who watch a war between their parents get caught in a conflict of loyalty, and it warns of lasting difficulties in forming a secure and loving bond after long exposure to chronic hostility.
It also reminds parents of a shared interest: love for the child, and a common goal in the child’s genuine happiness. Couples therapy, it says, can help separated parents work towards the child’s happiness together.
What happens when a child sees a child psychologist?
The psychologist delivers talking therapy and, for younger children, may add play-based techniques or drawing to help them express themselves more easily.
Early on, the page says, weekly sessions help build a positive therapeutic relationship. Sessions can then be weekly or fortnightly, and the psychologist reviews progress towards agreed goals regularly with the young person or the family. Some children need extra time at the start to build trust and feel comfortable, so plan for a slow beginning.
Parent involvement varies with the child’s difficulties, age and preferences, and the intervention may include parenting support or family work. If your child also sees a psychiatrist or a speech and language therapist, the psychologist will likely collaborate with them. The psychologist may also offer consultation to your child’s school or recommend other specialists.
How should you prepare your child for the first appointment?
The page gives parents specific steps. Tell your child who they will see and why, calmly and in a way which suits their age. Reassure them the psychologist is there to listen, not to get them into trouble. Explain they may talk, draw or play. Pick a quiet moment when your child is calm, and allow time for questions.
Afterwards, praise your child’s bravery and talk through what happened. Help them write down any questions to bring next time.
Book an Initial Consultation for Your Child
Every clinician at The Valens Clinic holds a licence from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Community Development Authority (CDA). Read more on the child psychology page or visit Young Valens, then email info@thevalensclinic.ae to arrange a first consultation.