27 Raring2go! PARENTS How to Talk to Your Child About Seeing a Therapist +V ECP DG FKHƂEWNV VQ UGG [QWT EJKNF UVTWIING YKVJ VJGKT GOQVKQPCN YGNNDGKPI #U RCTGPVU YG TGEQIPKUG VJG KORQTVCPEG QH UGGMKPI UWRRQTV [GV ECP HGGN EQPEGTPGF CDQWV JQY C EJKNF YKNN TGCEV VQ VJG KFGC QH UGGKPI C RU[EJQNQIKUV 7PFGTUVCPFCDN[ RCTGPVU ECP HGGN CPZKQWU VJCV VCNMKPI VQ C EJKNF CDQWV CVVGPFKPI VJGTCR[ EQWNF NGCF VQ HWTVJGT YQTTKGU 5GGKPI C RU[EJQNQIKUV UJQWNF PQV DG UECT[ CPF RCTGPVU ECP JCXG UWRRQTVKXG EQPXGTUCVKQPU • KEEP IT SIMPLE: Talk to your child using language they will understand. Share the reasons for seeing a psychologist by sharing how you have noticed that they have been struggling. Spend time talking about how a psychologist will support them to make sense of their tricky feelings and help parents and other grown-ups understand ways to offer support. • NORMALISE THE EXPERIENCE: In a similar way to visiting the doctor if we feel physically unwell, it is important to visit a psychologist to take care of our mental health. Let your child know many people see a psychologist, they will wÀÃÌ Ì>i Ì i Ìi Ì }iÌ Ì Ü Ì i >` Ü Ì i Ì> >LÕÌ Ì iÀ V >i}ià >` `vwVÕÌið • EXPLAIN THE PROCESS: It can be a big step to share our thoughts and feelings, and your child might be worried about what other people will think or don’t know what to expect. Walk them through a therapy session; they will arrive at the clinic and sit in the waiting room, the psychologist will then invite them into a nice, comfy room that feels like a lounge, they will ask questions to learn more about them and they will be able to bring their parents or caregivers along. • FIND THE RIGHT TIME: Parents can feel unsure about when to talk about seeing a psychologist. Find a calm moment and the right time for an uninterrupted conversation. Encourage your child to ask questions, answer honestly and reassure them that it’s ok to feel nervous or unsure. Speak to your child with enough time so you can help them prepare for the appointment. Dr Danielle Grey is a Clinical Psychologist and the Clinical Director for the Purple House Clinic, Birmingham. The clinic is located in Coleshill and offers sessions Monday-Saturday. (QT OQTG KPHQTOCVKQP XKUKV YYY RWTRNGJQWUGENKPKE EQ WM QT ECNN
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