Thanks to the openness of today’s generation about mental health, this helps so many people become more comfortable when seeking mental help. Also, for parents, this helps them pay more attention to their kids who might also face mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and so on.
And because mental health impacts such a great portion during a child’s development stage, it’s best to make sure your kid’s mental health is in tip-top shape. Kids who’ve suffered from mental health issues while growing up may have developed attitude problems and many more.
So to make sure your kid’s mental health is at its best, consider working with a child psychologist. They’re professionals in this field and can help meet your child’s mental health needs efficiently.
But to make sure you’re working with an efficient child psychologist, below are a few factors to look for in a good child psychologist:
1 - One with Credentials and Experience
Make sure to check the psychologist’s credentials and experience before booking a session with them. This is to make sure you’re not working with a scammer or an unlicensed psychologist. Through their experience portfolio, you’ll be able to find out the pieces of training they took, certificates they’ve gathered and so on. Oh, and experience in anxiety, trauma and ADHD are some specifics to consider pretty beneficial.
2 - Their Approach and Technique
There are a range of treatment approaches to take into account, each designed to meet different needs. Psychologists may utilise cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as one of these techniques; CBT is an approach that aims to reshape unfavourable thinking patterns and behaviours.
In contrast, play therapy uses play as a therapeutic tool and a way for children to express themselves. It is a more dynamic and child-centred approach. Then there's family therapy, which aims to promote better understanding and communication within the context of families.
So it’s best to know what approach and technique they’re using to ensure it resonates with your child’s mental health needs but also aligns with your family values.
3 - Has Good Communication Skills
A great benefit for your child and also yourself is a psychologist with good communication skills. Making sure your shrink communicates effectively can give you the peace of mind that you and your child are understood during sessions.
A psychologist with good communication skills actively listens, can explain concepts clearly and simply and also involves you in your child’s therapy sessions.
4 - Is Empathetic and Builds Rapport
Effective therapy is built on the foundation of a psychologist and a kid developing a genuine relationship. A psychologist skilled in creating this bond not only creates the foundation for a relationship based on trust but also fosters an atmosphere in which a kid feels safe and heard.
This relationship involves a delicate balance of compassion, comprehension, and skilful communication rather than just professional knowledge. Transformative therapy begins with a psychologist who can listen to each child's point of view, speak in a way that speaks to them, and provide a secure environment for them to express themselves.
5 - One that Collaborates and Involves Parents in the Therapeutic Process
One of the most powerful catalysts for a child's improvement in treatment is a collaborative dynamic in which parents are not only informed but actively involved. And it’s more than just providing updates or having the occasional conversation; it's about forging a strong bond between the parents and the psychologist.
By using an inclusive approach, parents are guaranteed to be active players in their child's therapy journey, rather than only information receivers. This could include routine communication sessions in which the psychologist gives parents advice, techniques, and insights. This is to enable them to apply the therapy concepts outside of the meetings to their everyday interactions with the kids.
6 - One with Referrals, Recommendations and Good Reviews
Some of the few ways to get referrals are from trusted sources such as school counsellors, friends and family and child hospitals. This is an effective way to know a psychologist is good when other people confidently refer, recommend and leave good reviews about them.
Consider One with a Child-Friendly Environment
Offices in general don’t give off a comforting atmosphere for children. That’s why it’s a green flag when a child psychologist's office is colourful and has toys, games and a play area for children in the waiting room. Most even have calming elements to help the child feel safe and comfortable during sessions.
A Good Psychologist that’s Right for You is Out There!
Take note that it could take some time to find the perfect fit for you and your child. When choosing a psychologist, consider if they check off most of the listed factors. But most importantly, follow your gut and put your child's comfort and needs first. You can determine whether the psychologist is a good fit for your child's mental health journey at the initial session or meeting.
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