Child Psychologist: What Do They Treat and How Can They Help?
Growing up brings its blend of hurdles and opportunities for development, and Children and Young People’s (CYP) Therapists are central to guiding children through these ups and downs. Onebright explores how its team of CYP Therapists is helping young people while providing preventative care for mental health conditions.
A CYP Therapist specialises in psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions for children and young people. CYP Therapists go through intensive training and have a deep understanding of children’s mental, emotional, and social health needs. According to statistics, 20% of adolescents will experience a mental health problem at any point; highlighting an urgent need for children’s mental health services.
CYP Therapists focus on how young people’s immediate environment including life events, family circumstances and social circles, impact on their emotional well-being and development. Their expertise extend to identifying and managing various mental health disorders that can arise during these years.
CYP Therapists employ diverse techniques in their day-to-day practice to meet the unique challenges young people face.
Child Mental Health Assessments
The first step to getting the right treatment is conducting a detailed clinical needs assessment to pinpoint where support is required. The initial assessment is important, as it provides an understanding of the problem, how it developed and the factors keeping the problem going.
CYP Therapists have become adept at understanding that children can sometimes feel uncertain when faced with new situations. They endeavour to provide a safe environment, alongside evidence-based strategies, to help children articulate their feelings and manage their emotions in a positive way. With online therapy, children can remain in their home environment, where they feel contained whilst interacting with the therapist, making it an accessible option for many parents who are looking for flexible therapy options.
Symptoms a CYP Psychological Therapist can treat
Part of a child’s initial assessment will include discussing with parents or caregivers, as well as children themselves, the symptoms that are causing concern; these might include:
- Sadness or a consistently low mood
- Worry about different things
- Excessive avoidance behaviours
- Disturbed sleep
- A noticeable dip in self-esteem or overwhelming anxieties that hinder daily activities
- Altered eating habits, either an increase or decrease in food intake
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies
- Suicidal ideation and/or self-harm
- Increased isolation, preferring solitude over social interactions with peers and family
Following the initial assessment, the therapist will carefully consider the best treatment option that meets the young person’s needs and devise a treatment plan.
Effective Therapy Option
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological therapy that has proved to be highly effective in treating children and young people’s mental health problems.
CBT helps with understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It provides children and young people with strategies to identify and reshape negative thought patterns, improve emotional regulation, and develop coping skills.
Through interactive online sessions with a therapist, children learn to apply these skills in their daily lives, enhancing their ability to handle stress, build positive relationships, and make constructive decisions, all of which contribute to their overall wellbeing and mental health stability.
But why is CBT especially great for children and young people?
Well, children’s brains are like sponges, ready to soak up new ways of thinking and being.
By learning CBT skills early on, children learn that while they cannot always control challenging situations, they have options on how they respond these, a valuable tool to help them through hard times. These valuable skills are with them for life. As they move through life and inevitably face hardship and challenges, CBT provides a solid foundation for resilience.
As society increasingly recognises the mental health needs of young people, Onebright CYP Therapists are here to support parents in ensuring that children have fast access to therapy. If you are concerned about a child’s mental health, then Onebright can provide swift assessments. Contact them today to discuss your concerns using the contact form below.
https://onebright.com/children-and-young-people/
