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When to Consult a Child Psychologist?
Children's psychology is delicate and vulnerable. In early life, individuals encounter joyful and sorrowful moments for the first time, learning to react and adapt to life's situations. This journey triggers a spectrum of emotions, sometimes challenging to navigate independently. Consequently, a child's behavior may change and deviate from the norm for an extended period. Parents begin to wonder what might be wrong, how to help, and whether seeking a psychologist's assistance is necessary. Let's systematically explore these considerations.
How to understand when a child needs a psychologist's help?
Children, like adults, face numerous challenges related to their development, exploration of the world, and individual physical and psychological characteristics. Pivotal events in a child's life undoubtedly impact their psyche, manifesting in various symptoms such as:
- Irritability and impulsiveness, previously absent in the child's behavior.
- Displays of aggression, shouting, constant conflicts.
- Developing habits like nail-biting or foot tapping.
- Frequent mood swings and whimpering without apparent reason.
- Distraction, carelessness, and memory issues.
- Fearfulness, anxiety, and withdrawal.
Events leading to a child psychologist's consultation
If you observe that your child's behavior is currently not aligned with their usual state, consider what might have influenced this change. Common situations prompting a visit to a child psychologist include school adaptation issues, loss of loved ones, relocation, age-related crises, parental separation, family conflicts, socialization difficulties, and bullying.
What is the procedure of an online child psychologist consultation?
Seeking help from a child psychologist can be done both in-person and online. The advantages of remote consultations include:
- saving time on commute
- the possibility of working with a psychologist from another city or country
- creating a comfortable and secure environment at home.
An online child psychologist consultation can take place on various user-friendly platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, etc. Depending on the child's age, parents can assist in connecting to the session, manage audio-visual settings, and even be present during the session if necessary. However, it's essential to consider that a child may find it challenging to open up with a parent present.
During the initial session, the psychologist establishes rapport with the child, evaluates the situation, and sets further goals. This helps the specialist determine the working format, methods, and tools for subsequent sessions. In any case, an individualized approach is crucial for each child, and the psychologist tailors the consultation plan based on the parents' or child's request.
When is a psychologist needed for a teenager?
The most frequent cases of consulting a child psychologist are associated with adolescence — a period of physical, emotional, and social changes. The child may show excessive aggression, experience severe anxiety and deny any instructions from parents or elders. It is important to react in time, because such symptoms can contribute to the development of adolescent depression.
The vulnerable mental state of adolescents is affected by the workload at school, bullying, difficulties with socialization, family quarrels, alcohol or drug use, thinking about their identity and the future.
What problems do psychologists for teenagers work with?
When choosing a teenage psychologist, inquire about their experience and read reviews to better understand if they can assist your child.
Adolescent psychologists typically address issues such as:
- depression, loss of interest in activities
- anxiety disorders, panic attacks
- family problems
- substance abuse
- eating disorders, dissatisfaction with appearance
- interaction with peers
- stress related to academics
- thoughts about future and career choices.
It is crucial to be attentive to your child's mental state, notice changes in behavior, communicate openly, and provide psychological support during challenging stages of their life. Timely intervention, not ignoring signs of distress, and, if necessary, seeking a psychologist's assistance are vital components in ensuring your child's mental well-being.