Child & Parent Psychology

Signs you should see a Child Psychologist

There are various signs and situations that may lead to your child needing to work with a psychologist. Children who are struggling to reach certain milestones may have developmental disorders like autism or an intellectual disability.

If your child has attention problems, like ADHD symptoms, social isolation, or a disinterest in socialising with other children, they may benefit from visiting a psychologist. As with many childhood problems and challenges, early intervention is likely to lead to much improved outcomes rather than later attention.

If your child has experienced a major life challenge, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, trauma, or abuse (emotional or physical) they are likely to benefit from a visit to a psychologist. Stress from these major life events may manifest differently in different children. It could lead to depression, anxiety, aggression, or frequent mood swings.

In some cases, the way a child chooses to cope with the stress may threaten their own safety or the safety of their peers. The stress may also affect how they function and develop into the future. For children or adolescents experiencing symptoms or signs of anxiety or depression, consultation with a child psychologist with skills in a range of expressive as well as talking therapies may prove highly beneficial.

Child Depression Symptoms:

• Low energy or low motivation
• Loss of interests in hobbies or activities
• Difficulty listening and concentrating
• Negative self-talk or self-esteem
• Lack of interest in seeing friends
• Easily irritated, upset, or angered
• Highly sensitive, frequent crying
• Poor eating, whether it’s too much or too little
• Sleeping too much or too little

Child Anxiety Symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping, experiencing nightmares
• Poor eating
• Anger, irritability or explosive outbursts
• Worrying & negative thoughts
• Difficulty staying still, feeling tense
• Frequent crying
• Trouble with separation
• Feeling unwell in the stomach

Signs you as a Parent should see a Psychologist

Parenting is one of the most rewarding things a person can do, however, sometimes you need some extra support. It’s a demanding, challenging job, and we don’t always feel certain we’re “getting it right”. Speaking with a psychologist about your child rearing challenges and pressures can help set you up for success and build a healthy relationship with your child moving forward.

How We Can Help Children

Childhood is what shapes a human’s identity. Child psychology can help set your child up for success as they reach and grow through adolescence. Using evidence-based therapies and your child’s preferred style of communication, we’ll work to solve problems, resolve stresses, and calm troubled young minds.

At Blue Flower Consulting, we have the ability to work in all aspects of child and adolescent development, including: skill development, response to challenges and trauma, and general interactions. We’ll use expressive and creative therapies, such as sand trays, clay work, and drawing to complement other therapeutic strategies. These techniques can be more effective with children, especially young children who may struggle with language.

How We Can Help Parents

Many parents feel that raising children is their greatest achievement, but also their greatest challenge. Working with children and their parents for many decades now, we bring a wealth of knowledge about child development and learning.

We understand that as a parent, you may need some support here too. This counselling service will also help parents, by providing you with the tools you need to support your child. Providing therapy to children and their parents helps support social and behavioural development.