When You Need To See A Child Psychologist

By Shirley Phillips


It is easy to assume that a playful and simple life for your children is all they need. Guardians and parents forget that the experiences during formative years have a profound influence later in life. In case the experiences are nasty and traumatic, it may stretch all the way to adulthood unless a professional child psychologist intervenes. This is the best way to shield children from the inevitable traumas of life.

The inability to openly express their feelings means that children bottle their emotions. This is harmful because it suppresses their urge or confidence to ask for help. The effects may lead to socialization difficulties and weak problem solving. The therapist seeks to understand the root of the problem with the aim of providing a solution. It takes time and skill to decode the displacement of weighty psychological issues in defiant behavior.

Most children suffer from school related stress. They have to deal with homework or are anxious about tests. They may be facing peer pressure or are being bullied. Some of this anxiety might be manifested in lack of enthusiasm to attend school. In the evening, they might not want to discuss what happened in school. This is one of those moments to engage a professional therapist.

Children are never consulted when major decisions are made in the family. Relocation, separations, divorce, etc leave them severely exposed and vulnerable. Such changes are as serious as an illness visiting your home. Children will require therapy and professional guidance to both understand and cope with the situation. The therapist also assists parents to understand what the child is going through and therefore make it easier for them to cope.

Children also go through experiences that affect their lives directly. An injury, accident or any form of abuse is psychologically traumatizing. The impact such occurrences have on their self esteem is huge. Some of these occurrences change the lives of victims forever. The resultant mental pressure, moods, socialization changes require handling by a therapist.

There are signs that will indicate that your child needs the attention of a therapist. Watch out for lack of appetite, sleeplessness and being moody. Other children exhibit change of behavior which affects their socialization and academic performance. You are also likely to witness withdrawal from others, stress, being sulky and tearful. Sudden bouts of emotions are also clear indications of the need for assistance.

Delays in hitting developmental milestones should be a cause for concern. Such children will display difficulties walking, talking or training to use the potty, among other issues. A therapist is also crucial in diagnosis of autism and other developmental disorders. Early detection will assist the guardian to look for early treatment before the condition worsens.

The best approach to most of these issues is one-on-one counseling sessions. Since children might take time to open-up about the problematic areas, the psychologist organizes follow-up sessions until a solution is found. In case a class or set of children is dealing with a similar issue, group therapy can be used. Personal follow-up must be incorporated because different kids respond to a similar issue uniquely. Professionals ensure that children develop normally despite prevailing challenges.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire