Changes in a child's life — such as the arrival of a younger sibling or changing schools — can trigger significant shifts in a child’s behaviour. If family support alone isn’t enough to help your little one cope, it's time to seek assistance from a child psychologist.
Delve into this post to discover how and when counselling can help — and remember to explore how arts benefit mental wellbeing in the process.
6 circumstances where a child psychologist can help
Professional guidance can help children to process and self-regulate their emotions — whether that’s anger, fear, jealousy, insecurity, or anxiety. Certain behaviours hint at this need more than others. Prolonged sadness, withdrawal, apathy, lack of interest, aggression, or excessive crying, for instance, may be signs that your child is struggling.
To help you discern whether professional assistance is needed, here are the main indicators that it's time to see a child psychologist…
Sudden or exaggerated behavioural changes
While behavioural changes don’t necessarily mean a child needs a counsellor, sudden shifts can be detrimental to their health and their relationships, causing distress and restlessness.
Look out for bed-wetting or refusing to sleep alone, drastic changes in eating habits, and behavioural or learning issues at school. Remember, schools can be great allies — teachers observe children throughout the day and can offer valuable insights.
Aggressive behaviours
Excessive aggression, unresolved through family dialogues, could indicate a child's difficulty coping with certain emotions or situations. Here, professional help is recommended. A child psychologist can assist in pinpointing the root causes of such aggressive behaviours, offering guidance on how best to approach these emotions with the child.
Restlessness, distraction, or attention difficulties
Therapy has been shown to be particularly helpful in managing ADHD symptoms. If a little one routinely exhibits restlessness and distraction, a psychologist can help both the child and their family in managing complex needs. And — given the significant influence families have on children's feelings and actions — they can also suggest changes in parental behaviours and mindsets that can greatly help in addressing these challenges.
Academic challenges
If your child is struggling in the classroom, the issue might not necessarily be learning-related. Child psychotherapy can greatly help in addressing the root cause of challenges, boosting your child’s development both at home and at school.
Developmental regression
Developmental regression — when your little one seems to be going backwards in areas of their development — can be triggered by periods of change. These include the arrival of a new sibling or moving house, which in turn leads to anxiety and insecurity. Monitoring your child's actions is essential. If they revert to behaviours from a previous developmental stage, a professional's guidance can be beneficial, providing support for the entire family.
Compromised health
Sometimes, little ones fall ill without an immediately obvious cause. Children may struggle to verbalise their pain and insecurities, leading to behavioural or even physical symptoms. In such cases, it's essential to consult a professional, who will help pinpoint the root cause.
Understanding a child psychologist's approach: play therapy
Caregivers sometimes wonder what children do during a session with a child psychologist. The truth is, adult and child therapy sessions vary greatly in dynamics and approach.
Child psychologists primarily use play therapy. This means they allow a child to choose from a variety of materials to play with (either alone or with the therapist) and conversational topics are more readily accessed, as children express themselves through play. In this way, their issues can be addressed indirectly. Parental involvement is also pivotal, as the effectiveness of the therapy largely hinges on the family's active participation. Adults are also encouraged to attend therapy, as familial behaviours and mindsets may also need addressing to positively influence the child's behaviours.
The role of arts and crafts
Engaging in arts and crafts can be a powerful tool for children, especially those navigating challenging circumstances. Not only does it offer a therapeutic outlet, allowing them to express their feelings and thoughts, but it also stimulates their creativity, fostering both cognitive and motor skills development. The tactile experience of crafting — be it moulding clay, painting, or creating collages — can be grounding for many children, providing a tangible means to process intangible emotions. Moreover, introducing arts and crafts in daily routines can enhance a child's attention span, patience, and problem-solving capabilities. It can be a shared family activity, serving as a bonding experience and a chance for parents to better understand their child's world.
Written by
Sarah Helena
Mother of Cecília and Olívia, psychologist, writer, and philosophy specialist, with a Masters in Professional and Technological Education.
Having always worked with families and little ones, Sarah is deeply connected to the realm of children’s emotions. Today she is part of Sandbox’s Content team and collaborates in strengthening the bond between families and reading by promoting the power of children’s literature.
