Some seem amazed to find that you can take children to a psychologist and, it is not taboo. Unfortunately, there is still an old conception that sees psychology linked to the medical field in particular to psychiatry in which the “pathological” is treated. But psychopathology is only a very small part of a psychologist’s work fields. It is useful to take children to the psychologist when, for example, that the child, in the course of development, shows signs of discomfort that can manifest themselves with a regression, that is a behavior typically present in children younger than him (such as peeing on himself after that he had learned to use the bathroom correctly or that he could no longer sleep alone despite having done so previously). Let’s discover more about when should we take the children to the psychologist.

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So when is it useful to take children to the psychologist?

Child can alter his daily habits by suddenly changing his diet or sleep patterns;

Even a child who often complains of pain or who gets sick easily; (This may have something that is troubling him at the base)

Even going badly in school or having a hard time concentrating. It can represent that his mind is occupied with other thoughts.

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A mistake that is often made is to believe that adults and children show their emotions in the same way, the same diagnostic manuals show how this does not happen for example in depression the adult tends to withdraw into himself and refuse to do activities while a child may become aggressive, restless and struggle to stay focused. This different way of appearing can generate misunderstandings that lead the adult to have a punitive rather than understanding attitude and the child could in the long run become even more closed in his suffering that has not been heard.

How is therapy done with children?

Unlike adults, children are less aware of their internal world and what is troubling them. Of course, having a child sit and tell about himself is not the most profitable way. In the office of a psychologist who sees children there must be games, colors, sheets. The child must feel good, an atmosphere of sweetness, welcome and trust must be created with the professional, therefore taking the children to the psychologist must be experienced as a pleasant and serene moment.

Each proposed activity must be designed and developed for that child in order to be able to find the access key in him. You have to laugh together, and be authentic and genuine, because children understand when you are really interested in him and in him to feel good about him. Working with children is a vocation and you have to love your job!

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The importance of the presence of parents in therapy paths

Before seeing a child, it is essential to have some meetings with those who take care of him to collect the story of him. So, therapist can know what he likes to do, to have an idea of ​​who that child is. Each little one is unique as well as the approach towards him must be.

Only later you can meet the child and you can choose whether to see him alone or with his parents. Even this choice depends on specific family and there are no strict rules or schemes.

What is the experience of the child who goes to the psychologist?

The child is happy to meet a person who is attentive to him and his well-being, who makes him play and gives him the opportunity to express himself in total acceptance of his emotions and his life. To experience every emotion without limits is a very beautiful and liberating experience. Also this allows him to face and overcome even what is most frightening.

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But are parents not enough? Parents are precious allies of the psychologist, but sometimes, despite being attentive and sensitive people, they are not enough. This is because children feel the emotions of their parents and in turn worry for them. So they may want to hide some of their experiences of suffering from them. Sometimes a child is afraid of sharing things because he is afraid of making people concerns. Think for example of a bereavement, for example of the maternal grandfather. The child could apparently “freeze” his emotions. Because the child feels that the mother is already very sad and is afraid of giving her more pain.

Although adults often avoid crying in front of little ones, children understand the moods and then behave accordingly. In this case it is very useful to have an external person available, but also involved and sensitive. This protects the child in his freedom of expression and favors the elaboration and the overcoming of the difficult moment.

If you think you need psychological support for child psychology problems, the best thing to do is to consult an experienced psychologist who can help you out of the problem.