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How would my child / teenager benefit from seeing a Psychologist?
By Petar Vuceta Psychologist, ​​BA(Psych), GDIP(Psych)
April 2024

There are many reasons that a child or teen may benefit from seeing psychologist. Here are some common reasons why a child/teenager might benefit from the support of a psychologist:​

1. Social Skills and Peer Relationships: Some children may find it challenging to make friends, maintain relationships, or navigate social situations. A psychologist can work with the child to improve social skills and enhance their ability to connect with others.
2. Attention and Hyperactivity: Issues related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may require the expertise of a psychologist for assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies to support organisation.
3. Behavioural Issues: Children may exhibit challenging behaviours, such as aggression, defiance, or tantrums. A psychologist can help identify the underlying causes and develop effective strategies for managing and modifying these behaviours.
4. Parenting Support: Psychologists can work collaboratively with parents to provide guidance on effective parenting strategies, communication skills, and ways to foster a positive and healthy parent-child relationships.
5. Emotional Difficulties: Children may struggle with big emotions such as anxiety, low mood (depression), or anger, which impacts behaviour. Psychologists can provide tools for emotional expression, coping mechanisms, and support a child to navigate these challenges.
6. Academic Challenges: Learning difficulties, attention issues, or academic underperformance can lead to frustration and stress for both the child and parents. Psychologists can assess and clarify these issues, providing strategies to support the child's academic success.
7. Bullying: Some children experience bullying and may need support to develop prosocial behaviour, as well as coping positive strategies to assist in managing challenging peer interactions. 
8. Family Changes: Life events such as divorce, remarriage, or the loss of a loved one can be very challenging for children and their families. A psychologist can help children navigate these transitions and provide a supportive space for them to express their feelings.
9. Trauma and Stress: Children who have experienced trauma or high levels of stress, often struggle significantly with deterioration in their mental and emotional well-being. A psychologist can assist in processing, adapting, and coping with these experiences.

When working with families, our psychologists ensure that a safe and non-judgmental space is created, close collaboration with the parents is maintained and that interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and family. Additionally, providing parents with guidance and support can enhance the effectiveness of the overall therapeutic process to optimise a child’s wellbeing.


By Petar Vuceta

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