By Dominic Byatt (Provisional Psychologist) & Narmatha Thillainathan (Clinic Director & Clinical Psychologist)
If it is your first time seeing a psychologist for your child, this can be a daunting and new experience. At Breakthrough Psychology Practice we have been working with children and families ever since we opened our doors for practice, which is almost 14 years ago.
There is ample research about parents understanding the needs of their child, and whilst there is no set instruction manual available for you to obtain a PhD in parenting, we know that you have the best of intentions when it comes to raising your child intuitively. We know that you have tried your best to assist them, and you have come to our clinic to learn more about how best to assist your child through some murky times that might need an outside eye.
Before the first session
From the time you contacted our clinic, administration staff are equipped to ask the relevant questions about why you have booked, including exploring the nature of the issue, when and how often it occurs, and the impact this is having upon your child’s and your own life.
Alongside this, before your first session you would have completed several forms and questionnaires. Although filling out these forms can seem daunting, these questionnaires are well researched tools that allow our clinicians to gain a broader understanding of the nature and pattern of the presenting issues, whilst also allowing them to compare your child to other children their age to examine the severity of their complaints, and whether they are within age expectations.
Parent Assessment
Parent assessment comes first within the process of initiating child therapy. This is because parents are usually the ones who have sought therapy and have the best idea of how the child’s difficulties are arising at both home and school. We understand that parents are the experts on their child and their child’s behaviour, and as such, we like to view our work with parents as working together as a close knit team. While our clinicians bring the evidence-based tools, theories and university training, you bring the details and information we need to best understand your child and can be our source of information to track how your child is progressing at home over the course of therapy. We only get to see your child for one hour a week, and it is important that the lessons taught in therapy are reinforced frequently, not just as a once off.
Aside from questions about your child, you may be asked some questions about your occupation, the structure of the family, your own opinions of your child’s progress at school and what you do for fun. Although these questions at first may not seem to be related directly to your child’s presentation to the clinic, they help us better understand you as well as the nature of the family system, and how your child fits into this picture.
The child’s turn
Following parent assessment, it is important that the clinician spend some time with the child directly. Although the word ‘assessment’ may seem scary for a child (usually associated with tests and exams), initial sessions with a child are focused around getting to know the child and building a sense of rapport. As such, some initial sessions can involve playing games, making drawings or colouring in. This is intended to make the child feel comfortable and at ease with the therapist, so that they can feel open to expressing their feelings and experiences. Interaction with the child in this engaging way also provides some hints to the therapist about the nature of the difficulties the child is experiencing, as play can often be a method for children to communicate their ideas about relationships and the world around them.
When clinicians move to talking to the child about the reasons for them coming to the clinic, this can be fun and engaging for the child. Sometimes, children do not have the language to verbalise exactly what they are feeling. As such, children may be asked to draw or create an artwork to show what is going on for them. Furthermore, a child may be asked more open-ended questions, like ‘If you were not born as a human, but as an animal, what animal would you be and why?’. Psychotherapy indicates that a child’s inner experience can be expressed through symbolic experiences to open ended questions such as these. Furthermore, a child will be asked about their likes and dislikes, their family, their experiences at school, their favourite music, and so on. This is to develop a fuller and richer picture of the child and their relationship with the world around them, alongside allowing the child to feel like they are being listened to and heard regarding what they want to tell the clinician.
Creating a plan
All the information gathered during these initial sessions has a purpose in informing something called a formulation. A formulation a working model or collection of information that seeks to explain the child’s difficulties, what has made them more vulnerable to experiencing these difficulties, what has led them to attend the clinic, what is keeping these difficulties going, and the child’s strengths to be drawn upon in treatment. This formulation may be presented to the parents and the children depending upon the age of the child and is used to inform the therapy and treatment for the child moving forward. Many clients find it a relief to get a clear picture to understand the key points of what is going on for the child when our lives are full of a sea of conflicting priorities, tasks and deadlines, and find it much easier to engage in therapy moving forward when they have an idea of what therapy will look like for their child.
In summary, starting therapy for your child can feel overwhelming, but at Breakthrough Psychology Practice, we are committed to providing a supportive and understanding environment for both you and your child. Our experienced team is here to work closely with you, offering evidence-based insights and strategies tailored to your child's unique needs. We hope this process brings clarity and relief, helping you navigate the challenges your child may be facing. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our clinic, where we can embark on this journey together toward growth and well-being.
At Breakthrough Psychology Practice, we are passionate about supporting our Paediatric clients. Our clinicians are trained in evidence based treatment in clinical presentations.
We offer a range of evidence-based Parenting programs, such as 123 Magic and Emotion Coaching or Parenting Teens. Other specific programs for children, include the Zones of Regulation program, Cool Kids – Macquarie University, Study without stress program. These programs are designed to assist both children and parents in reflecting on their presenting difficulties or parenting style and adopting a style that will foster a healthy relationship with their child.
We are passionate about working closely with children, adolescents, and families here at Breakthrough Psychology Practice. Our clinic Director Narmi, has developed a positive psychology program, Acing Anxiety, that targets Teens and their well-being. This program is run in conjunction with High Schools in NSW.
As an extension of this, our Clinic Director has offered many corporate organisations a seminar on Building Resilient Teenagers and discussing the magic of parenting teens.
If you're looking for support, click here to book a session with our compassionate team.
About Breakthrough Psychology
Breakthrough Psychology offers a holistic approach to your family’s mental health. Located in Sydney’s Hills District in West Pennant Hills, our team (led by Director, Clinical Psychologist and Adjunct Fellow; Narmi Thillainathan) of qualified and experienced psychologists provide a calming and accepting space for therapy and psychological diagnostic assessments. Dedicated to child, adolescent and adults’ mental health, wellbeing, and breakthroughs, we run workshops throughout the year. Or book a School or Corporate Talk, providing evidence-based insights coupled with practical tips on a variety of topics.
Disclaimer The information provided by Breakthrough Psychology, on our website, and in our blogs and posts, is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided on this site and social outlets is not, nor intended to be, a substitute for individualised professional advice or care. Please book in for an appointment. If something you have read here has raised any questions or concerns regarding your situation, feel free to call 02 8978 0600 or ask a question here.
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