1. I get pretty discouraged about our relationship sometimes.
2. My partner often fails to understand my point of view on things.
3. Whenever I'm feeling sad, my partner makes me feel loved and happy again.
4. My partner and I spend a good deal of time together in different kinds of play and recreation.
5. My partner has too little regard sometimes for my sexual satisfaction.
6. There are some serious difficulties in our relationship.
7. Minor disagreements with my partner often end up in big arguments.
8. Just when I need it the most, my partner makes me feel important.
9. Our daily life is full of interesting things to do together.
10. Our sexual relationship is entirely satisfactory.

 

Here are some of the reasons parents might want to talk to a child and adolescent psychologist:  

• A parent is worried: Is it ADHD or autism or something else?
• A 3-year-old is asked to leave daycare for biting.
• A 6-year-old has severe and lengthy tantrums at home and in public.
• A 9-year-old is avoiding school and won't say why.
• A 10-year-old is having trouble at school and the parents are told that testing by a psychologist would help.
• A 13-year-old is having "scary thoughts" but won't tell you more than that.
• A 14-year-old is found hiding food and later heard throwing up in the bathroom.
• A 17-year-old is making suicidal comments.

Who are child and adolescent psychologists and how can they help? Child psychologists are not only licensed psychologists, but they also have specialized, science-based training in treating serious psychological issues and managing day-to-day family challenges in a more effective manner.

Child psychologists are everywhere! In agencies, hospitals, schools, and private offices.  
 
What is it like to see a child and adolescent psychologist? Adults and children often say they feel much more comfortable in a child psychologist's office than they expected. Parents feel relief to come to a comfortable place and have a knowledgeable, caring professional hear their concerns. Everyone feels relaxed with the toys, games, and puzzles in the office. In the first couple of visits, the psychologist gathers information from all family members about their thoughts related to the problem.   

This could include any information parents provide from other sources such as reports, material from baby books, school grades, or drawings. Often the parent and the child are asked to complete standardized checklists to help clarify problems and strengths the child has. What happens next depends on how the child or family can best be helped. Sometimes a more formal, expert evaluation is recommended. Other times a course of therapy or other outside professional resources are suggested.

Did you know that, of all mental health providers, only psychologists are trained in how to administer and interpret tests of intelligence, learning, development, and emotional functioning?  

What is therapy like? If treatment is the next step after the first visits, the psychologist will explain who will be involved and what method will work best. Parents and kids should feel comfortable asking any question they'd like about anything the psychologist proposes to do. Well-trained child and adolescent psychologists use interventions that are based on good science. Some well-proven methods for children include Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Behavior Therapy.

Child and adolescent psychologists are skilled and personable in relating to children and teens, which helps parents to have confidence in the work they will be doing. Often for younger children, parents remain in the room and are an important part of the treatment. Parents can be taught many effective techniques to help a child with depression, anxiety, and impulsive or defiant behaviors. Sometimes a parent just needs help learning how to use "time out" effectively or to set up a positive behavior management plan to encourage the child's cooperation. At times the problems are more complex and severe, requiring more time with the parent and the child separately and together to provide the most effective interventions.

What about my teen? When working with teenagers, the psychologist spends more time with the teen apart from the family, respecting a growing independence and need for privacy. Many of the research-based techniques that are effective with adults can be applied to teens, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy. Sometimes both teens and parents use the sessions to improve their communication with each other so that they can resolve their issues together in a calmer, more loving manner.

For more information, go to: http://effectivechildtherapy.fiu.edu/parents.