For improved relationships, wellbeing, learning, productivity and creativity

When should I take my child to a Geelong psychologist?

July 7 2014

Making the decision to take our kids to a child psychologist here in Geelong can be a confronting thing. How do you know when a trip to a psychologist is warranted?

They ask

Therapy, counselling and mental health have all become a huge part of our popular culture, particularly through the media and school. Our kids pick up on this, and may well ask you if they should or could go and talk to someone. Talking to mum or dad about things that are worrying them can be a hard thing for children to do. If your kids are asking, it’s probably a good idea to take their requests seriously.

Their behaviour has changed

All kids change as they grow, and go through different phases as they age. But if you notice abrupt changes or behaviours that are more extreme than they were, it’s probably a good idea to check things out. Some examples might include:

  • Increasing isolation
  • Significant irritability
  • Lots of tears
  • Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
  • Recurring trouble with friends
  • Sudden refusal to go to school
  • Marked change in grades
  • Change in ability to get on with family members.

There are more bad days than good

Conflict within the family can creep up on us. Sometimes the struggle to get along with each other is something we don’t notice until it has got to a level where you realise that there are more fights and angry exchanges than you would like. That’s the time to get some help.

You just know it’s the right thing to do

As parent’s, our intuition is usually right. We are pretty good at paying attention to it when we have newborn babies, but sometimes lose track of it as our kids get older and considerably more complex. If you’ve been considering trying therapy as a family or for your child, why not give Geelong child psychologist Helen Handsjuk a call on (03) 5229 8021 or 0414 681 023?

Things to keep in mind about visiting a child psychologist

  • Taking your child to therapy sessions doesn’t mean you’re a bad or weak parent. Indeed it can mean the opposite – you are aware, engaged and concerned about the development of your child.
  • The process is as short or as long as it needs to be, and it doesn’t last forever. Quite often families will notice significant improvement in family life after just a few appointments.
  • Due to very strict confidentiality laws, nothing about your appointments can be disclosed to anyone, or even if you attended at all. Your child doesn’t need to be concerned that his teacher or GP will know (unless you have agreed to this of course).