What is a psychologist?
Psychologists have the professional training and clinical skills to help people learn to cope more effectively with life issues and problems.
Why do kids see psychologists?
Many children and teens face problems that affect how they feel, act or learn. When children face problems that they cannot deal with alone or with the help of a parent or supportive adult, they might see a psychologist. Psychologists engage children in therapyto help them to learn strategies to manage their feelings and behaviors. Therapy can also help to teach kids strategies that help with learning. Psychologists can also do assessmentsto clarify what particular areas kids may be struggling with, especially in school with things like reading, writing or math.
What kinds of problems do you help kids with?
I help kids who may be facing family problems, school problems, health problems and even bullying. I also help kids with feelings like sadness, anger, stress and worry, low self-esteem and grief.
How old do I have to be to see a psychologist?
I work with children and teens from the age of 4 to 18 and sometimes older. When children come to therapy, their parents or guardians are almost always involved as well.
What happens in therapy?
At first, the psychologist will meet with you and your parents to ask questions and listen to learn all about you, your family and the problem that you are struggling with. The psychologist will then let you know how they can help. In future sessions, you will talk with the psychologist to express your feelings, you will do activities that will help you to learn skills to manage your problem, you will practice the skills that you are learning and you may even learn problem solving skills that will help you to manage when challenges arise in the future.
How long will I need to see a psychologist?
The goal of therapy is to teach you ways to manage problems when they arise. Since you will be learning how to better cope with problems, you will not need to see a psychologist forever. Most times, you will have weekly appointments for a few months.
