Child

Everyday People Psychology & Family Therapy aims to promote children's emotional well-being and reduce the emotional distress they are experiencing. It is our hope that with a supportive therapeutic alliance, children can build a more positive view of themselves and improve their capacity to connect effectively with others in their home and school life. Children (0-12yrs) can experience a range of mental health, developmental and relational problems. Parents, educators and other professionals often seek the help of a psychologist when they are concerned about a child's mood, behaviour or learning development. Therapeutic work often involves trying to identify the problem, understand the cause and planning therapeutic intervention collaboratively with the family. At other times, educational professionals may be asked to conduct specialist assessments related to educational development. The environment created by parents has a powerful effect on a child's sense of self and their ability to relate to others. Often the couple relationship and the parent/child relationship serve as the model from which children base their behaviour. In addition to the basic needs of safety, food and shelter, children need emotional attunement, validation and encouragement in order for them to develop a steady and resilient sense of self. Sometimes parents are unaware of their childrens' emotional needs due to a pre-occupation with their own distress. This is why family therapy can be a helpful way for children to communicate their needs to their parents in a non-confronting way. At the same time, whilst the parent-child relationship is fundamental to a child's emotional well-being, children may also be impacted by external factors such as the impact of marital distress, the transition to and from blended families, social and academic pressures, and peer relationships. It's essential that parents are involved in supporting their children through these developmental challenges.

Developmentally Sensitive Parenting

Parents are often challenged by the ever-changing parenting strategies required to respond to their children’s developmental stage. When parenting is out of synch during these times, it can be disruptive to healthy development and the emotional well-being of the child. At Everyday People Psychology & Family Therapy we believe that parental involvement is critical. Regardless of the presenting problem, enhancing a secure parent-child relationship is at the core of our therapeutic goal. Couple therapy can often coincide with this work as challenging children can best couple relationships! It can also work to help couples develop a mutually supportive dynamic as parents. You may want to consider therapy for your child if you notice:
  • Difficulties such as anxiety, depression or aggression
  • Highly avoidant, or highly disruptive
  • Inappropriate or intense emotional responses
  • An inability to play or relate to siblings or peers
  • Problems with concentration and/or attention to tasks
  • Neurological problems such as ADHD and Autism
  • Problems relating to sleep, toileting and eating