Child Psychologist

You might consider seeking support from a psychologist if your child shows persistent behavioural issues, big or sudden emotions, or social difficulties.

Therapy for children often involves therapies like Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Social Skills Training. Ecological Systems Therapy which looks at the child and other people and environments in their world is also important to achieve outcomes.

Therapy provides children with tools to understand their feelings and manage their reactions. CBT helps children recognize and change negative thought patterns that lead to anxiety, while Creative Play Therapy offers a way for children to express their emotions through play. Behavioural interventions are also used to teach positive coping strategies and improve emotional regulation.

Yes, therapy can help children to develop social skills. Through play, role-playing, and structured interventions, psychologists can help children learn how to communicate effectively, understand social cues, and build stronger relationships with peers and family members.

Felicity offers support for children with developmental delays, ADHD, and autism. The focus is on helping these children understand their strengths and challenges, develop emotional regulation, learn about their social profile including their preferences and approaches, and manage sensory or attention-related challenges.

Help your child understand why they are attending therapy and what to expect.

For younger children this may sound like: “we are going to see a psychologist. They are really good at listening to kids and helping them feel better when they are sad, worried or angry. You can talk to them and do fun activities. It’s a safe place for you to share your feelings”.

For older children, this may sound like: “we are going to see a psychologist to help you talk about how you’re feeling and what you are finding difficult. This is a safe space for you to talk. The psychologist will ask questions, and you will do fun activities to help you express yourself. It’s all about finding ways to feel better and understand yourself better”.

Yes, therapy is private, although there are exceptions such as when there is risk of harm to your child or others. Felicity will discuss confidentiality during the first session.

Felicity encourages parents and carers to be involved during child therapy sessions so that you can share information, develop your understanding of your child, and learn strategies to support them outside of sessions. Depending on the age of the child, parents and carers may be involved at the beginning and end, or for the whole session. Felicity will discuss this with you in the first therapy session and help develop an agreed upon plan.

The time Felicity spends with your child in session will be spent exploring emotions, thoughts, and behaviours through play, art, and discussion, and learning strategies and skills.

Parents and carers play a crucial role in the outcomes for children in therapy by providing support at home, collaborating with the psychologist, as well as modelling, reinforcing, and practicing strategies learned in therapy.

Try to have an open conversation with your child about their feelings. Validate their concerns while emphasising the benefits of therapy. You could suggest a trial session so that they have a chance to see what therapy is like. Felicity aims to make the first therapy session safe, fun, and engaging, with minimal pressure.