Children may
face various problems, whether it's difficulties at school, changes in
behavior, depression, anxiety, fear, or just uncertainty in new situations.
Many parents hesitate to seek help from a child psychologist. Fear of the
unknown, stigma, and myths about psychological care prevent parents from
helping their child and themselves.
What
does a child psychologist do?
A child
psychologist focuses on caring for the mental health of children and
adolescents. They help children address various issues: anxiety, depression,
behavioral disorders, learning and attention disorders, building healthy
self-esteem, coping with life changes, traumas, and more.
One of the
greatest benefits of visiting a child psychologist is the opportunity to gain
an objective view of the situation and competent advice on how to effectively
deal with it. Psychologists have the expertise and experience to help families
understand the roots of the problem and find suitable strategies for
resolution.
A child
psychologist can also help families acquire new tools and skills for
communication and conflict resolution. They assist not only the child but also
parents in understanding and managing situations that may be new and
challenging for them.
A child psychologist can help your
child:
- Learn to
manage their emotions
- Improve
their communication skills
- Build
healthy self-esteem
- Develop
better relationships with family and friends
- Improve
academic performance
A child psychologist can also help you:
- Better
understand your child
- Learn to
communicate effectively with your child
- Manage
stress and anxiety
- Build a
stronger and healthier family
You might be
interested in:
- When is it
time to visit a psychologist with your child?
- What
happens during a visit to a child psychologist?
- How to
schedule an appointment with a psychologist for your child?
10 most common myths about child psychologists:
#1 CHILD PSYCHOLOGISTS ARE ONLY FOR TROUBLED CHILDREN
A child
psychologist can help with a wide range of issues, from more common ones like
anxiety, separation anxiety, sleep problems, and bullying to more serious
problems like depression, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD. They can also help
parents with child rearing and educational issues.
#2 A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST WILL JUDGE MY CHILD
A child
psychologist is there to help you and your child. They are not there to judge
you in any way. They have the professional knowledge and experience to
understand child behavior and development and help you find the best way to
work with your child.
#3 A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST WILL DIAGNOSE AND PRESCRIBE MEDICATION
A child
psychologist focuses on the overall development and mental well-being of the
child. Diagnosis is just one tool they use to understand difficulties and
develop an individual care plan. Medications are prescribed only in severe
cases and always in close collaboration with a child psychiatrist.
#4 A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST UNNECESSARILY PROLONGS THERAPY
The length of
therapy varies depending on the individual needs of the child. Sometimes a few
short sessions are enough, other times longer and more intensive care is
needed. The child psychologist will inform you at the beginning which approach
is most suitable for you and your child.
#5 PARENTS HAVE NOTHING TO DO IN THERAPY
On the
contrary. Parents are an important part of therapy, and their active
involvement in the process is crucial for achieving lasting changes. Parents
can learn how to communicate better with their child, provide emotional
support, and deal with problematic behavior.
#6 A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST INTERFERES WITH CHILD DEVELOPMENT
A child
psychologist helps children better cope with challenging situations and
emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build self-confidence.
Ultimately, they help with their healthy psychological development and
integration into society.
#7 WE DON'T NEED A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST
Seeking help
from a child psychologist is not shameful. On the contrary, it shows the responsibility
of parents and their interest in the well-being of their child. A child
psychologist can provide parents with a professional perspective on the
situation and valuable advice they might not obtain on their own.
#8 A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST WON'T BE ABLE TO HELP US ANYWAY
A child
psychologist has experience with a wide range of problems and can offer parents
an individual approach and support. Each child is unique, but there are
principles and strategies that can be applied to specific situations.
#9 ONLY INCOMPETENT PARENTS SEEK HELP FROM A PSYCHOLOGIST
ABSOLUTELY
NOT! Seeking help from a child psychologist is a sign of strength and
responsibility. Parents who actively seek to improve their child's mental
well-being are doing the best they can for them.
#10 A CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST WILL DICTATE HOW TO RAISE OUR CHILD
A child
psychologist respects the individuality of each family and does not impose any
parenting methods on parents. Rather, they help them find their own path and
parenting style that best suits the needs of their child. The responsibility
for raising and caring for the child always remains with the parents. The child
psychologist simply assists them on this journey and provides them with
professional guidance and support.
Let's not forget
that mental health is just as important as physical health. So don't hesitate
to seek help if you feel that your child needs support and professional
assistance. A child psychologist is here to help you and support you in
challenging life situations.
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