It’s completely normal for your child to feel worried about things that are important to them, to feel disappointed or sad sometimes, and it is definitely normal (and healthy) that they feel frustration and anger. However, some parents start to worry that their child is experiencing issues above and beyond normal childhood emotions, and may need help from a professional child and family psychologist. In fact 1 in 4 young people will experience mental health issues in any given year. Here’s what to look out for:

 

  • Daily feelings of sadness or hopelessness that last for more than 2 weeks
  • Frequent anger and age-inappropriate aggressive behaviours
  • Persistent worry or fearfulness about an aspect (or many aspects) of their lives
  • A sudden and unexplained drop in grades or performance at school or recreational activities
  • A pervasive preference to be alone rather than with family and friends
  • Long standing patterns of poor sleep or frequent nightmares

How will a child and family psychologist help?

A child psychologist will sit down with your family and identify the underlying patterns and causes of the distressing symptoms and behaviours. Child psychologists include both parent and child in the process so that parents can better understand their child’s needs and feel confident to become their coach and guide when they’re experiencing tough times.

What types of Child Therapy are there?

There are many different types of science-based therapies for children. The common methods used at Foresight include:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is used for childhood anxiety and depression to help children (and parents) understand how negative thoughts impact mood and behaviour. Children are taught life-long skills to perspective-take, face their fears, and feel happy and more connected.
  • Parent Child Interaction Therapy was developed for children aged 2-7 who have experienced mood disturbances, trauma, or disruptive behaviour. Therapists provide coaching to parents to help improve a child’s relationship and behavioural patterns.
  • Systemic Family Therapy is used for a wide range of child and family difficulties including instances where challenging relational patterns have developed. It aims to help the family express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, perspective take, and identify and meet each other’s needs.

How do I access child and family therapy?

Discuss this option with your GP who can write a Mental Health Care Plan referral, allowing your child to access a Medicare rebate for the first 10 sessions of each year. Our child and family therapists have completed post graduate training in Clinical Psychology including specific training in child and family therapies.

If you’re looking for a Sydney Child and Family Therapist, don’t hesitate to give us a call today at our Ultimo Psychology Clinic. Foresight Psychology Ultimo: 02 8380 8855 / info@foresightpsychology.com