Experienced Child Psychologists in Adelaide
Our child psychologists have moved to Rose Park Psychology. To check out how they are follow this link:
https://www.roseparkpsychology.com.au/our-people/
Child Therapist or Child Psychologist
A child psychologist talks with parents and assesses a child’s behavioral and mental health problems. They will assess for and treat, behavior problems, parenting strategies, children’s emotional problems such as anxiety, sleep disturbance and a wide range of clinical disorders. Parents are – especially with young children – involved in the treatment program. For young children, the parenting component is very important to therapy outcomes. The foundation of all programs is based on:
- Assessing the nature of the child’s mental health, emotional or behavioral problems
- Using approaches with the child that communicate at the child’s age level
- Showing the child how to change their thoughts and behavior through play and talking
- Using approaches with the child that help them to understand and change
- Teaching parents a new approach to understanding and working with their child
What is the aim of child psychology?
Child psychology is the study of treatments, typical developmental trends and behaviors in children that may be inhibiting productive growth. The dedicated child psychologists at Westbourne Park Psychology have extensive experience in relating to the needs of a child in this way. They can draw a number of conclusions just by seeing how a child interacts with their parents, themselves and the world to see where they are in their individual mental development and identifying what then needs addressing. The aim is to use these observations to provide knowledge-based insights about improvements for the nature of their childhood and their distinctive characteristics.
Our Child Psychologist in Adelaide
Our child psychologists have moved to Rose Park Psychology, as the two practices have amalgamated.
We prefers that the parent book a first session without the child. Often it is advantageous for the psychologist to hear all about the issue from the parent’s perspective, and this is best done without the child being present.
Areas of Work – Younger Children
Issues that our child psychologists commonly work with in younger children include:
- Behavioral problems such as disobedience and oppositional behavior (defiance)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Bullying
- Anxiety, worrying
- Fear and avoidance of certain situations
- School refusal
- Depression
- Bedwetting
- Phobias – anxious avoidance of places, people, or activities
- Separation anxiety
- Excessive temper tantrums or excessive crying
- Insecurity and over-dependence on parent(s)
- Tummy ache, enuresis, inability to relax
- Ritualised behaviours
Adolescents
The following are more often found in the older child:
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
- School refusal
- Examination anxiety
- Social anxiety and avoidance
- Depression
- Perfectionism, anxiety and avoidance
Adolescents
Helen White
Helen is aware of the dual importance of teenagers having some space to talk by themselves and take charge of their recovery, while still needing the support and involvement of their parents. Depending on what is needed, therapy with adolescents (15 years and above) may be done individually or may also include parents in the session (or a blend of both). When an adolescent is struggling this can also have a big impact on the rest of the family, so as well as helping your teenager work out how to better manage their feelings. Helen can also take a whole family approach to find solutions. This can include:
- Improving your connection with your teenager
- Helping parents work together more effectively to support their children
- Working with the whole family together
- Fostering trust, communication, and respect within the family
- Helping parents to better understand what is happening to their teenager