What Can A Psychologist Do For MyChild?
When your child is struggling in any way, you want to be there for them and help them through as best as you can. Sometimes, it is hard to know what is the best approach to take.
Children deal with a lot as they grow. There are constantly changing physical, emotional, behavioural, and external factors that significantly impact their daily life. They may be able to manage these by themselves or with your support. At other times, there may be elements that feel too big. A child psychologist can step in at any stage to provide professional assistance and guidance..
If you or your child are worried about their behaviour, development, or emotions, it can be beneficial for them to talk to a psychologist. At The Nest, our experienced and friendly child psychologists in Newcastle can assess your child and work towards supporting their mental health and overall wellbeing.
What Is A Child Psychologist?
Psychologists can help to treat a broad array of mental health conditions and related concerns by employing a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches. A child psychologist focuses on the formative years of a person’s life.
Our qualified and compassionate psychology team has clinical experience in child and adolescent psychology. We shape our care to suit the specific needs of this age group to help them achieve their goals and maintain a good quality of life. The guidance and treatment involved can differ from that which is part of adult psychology. This includes factors such as:
Developmental stage
Child psychologists focus on the physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and social changes and developmental stages that are unique to children.
Family focused
Child psychology often takes a more family-centred approach than adult psychology. This is because parents and caregivers play a significant role in a child's development. They may also be involved in treatment or therapy.
Assessment methods
Child psychologists often employ different assessment methods than adult psychologists. These include options such as using creative activities like drawing or play therapy to help children express their thoughts and emotions.
Communication style
Child psychologists often use simpler language with clear and concrete examples in order to help children understand complex ideas.
Treatment approaches
Child psychologists may use different treatment options that are tailored to children's specific developmental needs and stages, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy involving play-based activities.
How Do I Know If My Child Should See A Psychologist?
There is a range of signs that your child may be displaying or experiences
they have had that indicate a need for mental health care. For example, your child may be:
displaying different emotions, such as irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, frequent crying, or a loss of interest in loved activities.
showing behavioural changes, which is affecting their productivity, relationships, and engagement.
facing big life changes, such as parental divorce.
experiencing physical symptoms, such as nausea and headaches, that do not have an identifiable medical cause.
dealing with bullying, trauma, or abuse.
is abusing drugs or alcohol.
If you are concerned about your child for any reason, reaching out for professional assistance may help to improve their life and guide you in supporting them, which can also be important in maintaining a good relationship with each other and your loved ones.
What Issues Can A Child Psychologist Treat?
At The Nest, we can help your child when they are experiencing a range of conditions or dealing with external issues such as:
Attention deficit disorder.
Obsessive compulsive disorder.
Learning disabilities and developmental delays.
Anxiety.
Autism.
Impulsive, reactive, or oppositional behaviours.
Depression and mood disorders.
Phobias.
Sleep disturbances.
Sensory sensitivities.
Emotion regulation difficulties.
Memory difficulties.
New school transition.
Grief.
Parents’ divorce.
Social difficulties.
Relationship breakdowns.
Trauma or abuse.
Drug or alcohol use.
What Will Be Involved If My Child Sees A Psychologist?
We use a combination of clinical psychology and neuroscience to provide a personalised, holistic therapy and develop an intervention program for your child. Our psychology team can also collaborate with our occupational therapists to establish a multifaceted and comprehensive approach to your child’s care.
After a thorough assessment involving interaction with you and your child, and people such as other family members and teachers if required, we may use therapy techniques and methods such as:
Sensory-based interventions.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Play-based therapy.
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG feedback, which is a non-invasive therapy involving surface electrodes placed on the scalp to gain insight into and train brain activity.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Parenting support.
The Nest’s Psychologists Are Here To Guide Your Child
Enabling your child to gain professional help can be a significant step forward when they are struggling with a variety of situations or conditions. Our team is dedicated to providing an environment in which children feel safe and supported, one in which they can grow and develop.
If you or your child feel they could benefit from talking to someone with experience and knowledge regarding mental health concerns, please contact our team to organise an initial consultation.
