Child Psychology
What is a Child & Adolescent Psychologist?
A Child & Adolescent Psychologist is a trained Clinical Psychologist who specialises in working with children and adolescents, from birth to 18 years old. They use their knowledge of child development to support young people in managing their mental health and emotional wellbeing at different stages of growth. Child & Adolescent Psychologists deliver psychological interventions, sometimes referred to as ‘talking therapy’. Depending on the developmental stage of the child, intervention may involve play-based techniques or drawing, to help children and young people express themselves more easily.
What to Expect When Working with a Child & Adolescent Psychologist:
The first step in working with a Child & Adolescent Psychologist is an initial consultation, during which the psychologist will assess your child’s difficulties and concerns. The Child & Adolescent Psychologist will then work with your child and/or you to develop a shared understanding of the difficulties and establish clear treatment goals. Following this, the Psychologist will engage your child in an evidence-based intervention for their mental health difficulties, which may include parenting support or family work.
The level of involvement parents and caregivers have in this overall process will depend on the nature of the child’s difficulties, as well as the child’s age and their preferences. If your child is also working with others professionals, such as Psychiatry or Speech & Language Therapy, the Psychologist will likely collaborate with these clinicians to ensure holistic, consistent care is being provided. The Psychologist may offer consultation to your child’s school or recommend referrals to other additional specialists.
Mental Health in Children & Adolescents:
The development of positive mental health is crucial for children’s overall health and wellbeing. During childhood and adolescence, the brain continues to mature, with the areas responsible for emotion and behaviour regulation being among the last to fully develop. As a result, younger children may find it difficult to understand and express their feelings or cope with new situations, as their emotional and social skills are still evolving. In adolescence, a period of rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, young people are also forming their identities and identifying their personal values. These developmental tasks can be challenging, and mental health difficulties—such as anxiety, depression, and behaviour problems—are not uncommon. Supporting young people through these stages is crucial to fostering their long-term wellbeing.
Common Mental Health Difficulties in Children & Adolescents:
- Stress or Anxiety – This can present in many forms, including school-related stress, generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, or a specific phobia
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – This can present in various ways, such as fears of contamination, repeated checking, obsessions with symmetry, or worries about harming themselves or others
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can lead to ongoing difficulties such as fear, anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks related to the event
- Low Mood – Children and adolescents can experience depression, which may include feelings of sadness, irritability, hopelessness, and in some cases, lead to suicidal thoughts and/or self-harming behaviours
- Behavioural Difficulties – Due to ongoing brain development, children and adolescents may struggle with regulating their behaviour, which can lead to impulsivity, tantrums, defiance or aggression
- Adjustment Difficulties – Major life changes, such as parental divorce, moving to a new country, or receiving diagnoses, such as neurodevelopmental disorders or physical health issues, can be difficult for young people to accept and navigate
- Grief & Loss – Children and adolescents may struggle with the death of a loved one or other significant life transitions
- Self-Esteem & Low Confidence – Negative beliefs or views about oneself can affect a young person’s self-esteem, leading to low confidence and behaviours such as social withdrawal or difficulty trying new things.
How Long Does Therapy Last?
The length of therapy varies depending on the child and family’s individual needs and their engagement in the process. Some children and young people may initially find it challenging to meet with a Child & Adolescent Psychologist, so may need extra time at the beginning to build trust and feel comfortable discussing their difficulties. Child & Adolescent Psychologists are trained in various approaches to support and encourage young people through this process. In the early stages of therapy, it is often helpful to meet weekly to establish a positive therapeutic relationship. Thereafter, sessions may be held weekly or fortnightly. Progress towards agreed treatment goals will be reviewed regularly with the young person and/or their family.
How Can Parents/Caregivers Help with this Process?
- Before the first appointment: It is important to be open with your child about who they are going to see (e.g. a Child Psychologist) and why, in a calm, compassionate and age-appropriate way. Reassure them that the Child Psychologist is there to listen, not to get them into trouble. Let your child know that the psychologist will work with them through activities like talking, drawing, or playing, depending on their age and needs. Allow your child enough time to process this information and encourage them to ask any questions they might have. Choosing a quiet moment when they are calm to have this conversation is most helpful.
- After the first appointment: Offer encouragement and praise for your child’s bravery in speaking with the Child Psychologist. Talk with them about what was discussed, as this can clarify any confusion or questions they might have, and promotes open conversations moving forwards. If your child has any questions for the psychologist that they didn’t ask during the session, help them write these down so they can bring them to the next appointment.
- Ongoing support: Help your child attend appointments regularly, as this will allow them to build a strong, trusting relationship with the Psychologist and receive the full benefit of the intervention. Regularly celebrate the effort your child is putting into therapy, as positive reinforcement can help boost their self-esteem and empower them in the process. Recognize their bravery in seeking help and their willingness to attend sessions.
- Stay involved, but respect boundaries: If your child and the Psychologist agrees, getting involved in the process can be very helpful. Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting the young person to apply strategies learned during therapy. However, it is equally important to respect your child’s need for privacy and independence in the therapy process, particularly for older children. Therapy works best when everyone involved is on the same page and actively supporting the child.
- Model health coping strategies: If appropriate, try to find opportunities in your own life to model emotion regulation for your child. For example, if your child is learning relaxation techniques in therapy, you might practice these together at home. This reinforces that the skills being discussed in therapy are valuable in everyday life and can be effective.
- Be patient with the process: Therapy can take time and progress may not always be immediately visible. It’s important to be patient and allow your child to express themselves at their own pace. Avoid putting too much pressure on your child about therapy, as this may cause them to disengage from the process. Small steps forward are still important progress in the right direction.
