Why see a clinical psychologist?

Are you worried about your child or relationships within your family? Sometimes something just does not feel right, maybe your child is behaving differently. Sometimes you may just have a gut feeling that your child is struggling emotionally, or it may be that you do not feel that you can communicate with your child in the same way as you have done in the past.  A clinical psychologist may be able to help you and your child understand what the difficulties are and help you discover strategies and new ways of interacting based on the science of psychology.

Clinical psychologists are trained in understanding the mind and behaviour. As part of the doctorate training, clinical psychologists are taught how to treat specific psychological disorders or difficulties with both adults and children, based on the research of what is demonstrated to work.

As a clinical psychologist who has worked with children and families for many years, I have found innovative ways to engage children, even when families worry that the child will not engage. However, sometimes it is not always helpful to work with the child per se, but this does not mean that a clinical psychologist cannot help. As a parent or carer you have a crucial role in guiding your child through their difficulties. It may be that a clinical psychologist can assist you in helping your child overcome their difficulties.