How do I know if it would be recommendable to assist therapy?

Childhood is a delicate period of our lives in which our foundations are developing and taking shape, therefore ignoring any problems that may arise during this stage may have detrimental consequences in the future.

Asking for help, not only as parents, but also under any role or situation that life challenges us with, is a mature and considerate action, characteristic of someone who uses their decisions and the means available to them to deal with certain problems.

A professional is there to help you, not to criticize your attitude or behaviour ; their perspective will not be judgemental as their function is not that of a moral judge.

Someone, specialised in the matter and that can assess objectively what you and/or your family is going through, will be the person that can offer you more solutions and extra support to confront the situation that is worrying you.

You feel overwhelmed by the weight of parenting.

• Your child is whimsical and does not follow your policies.
• The conjugal relationship is weak and lacking an affective environment.
• Problems with speech and/or communication.
• Problems with learning and/or with performance in school
• Abnormal behaviour, especially excessive ire, excessive unhappiness
• Isolation.
• Mood swings
• Unusual and or increasing physical ailments.
• Your child is worryingly active and nervous.
• Your child is depressed.
• You are too worried about certain aspects of adoption.
• Your child’s behaviour and personality has changed drastically.
• You don’t feel capable or with enough energy to face a certain problem.
• You have lived or are currently going through a serious family crisis: loss of a job, moving houses, changing schools, loss of a loved one, a severe illness, a separation or divorce…

Why have diagnoses?

A Diagnosis is the first essential step to recognize what may be happening to the child.

In a first interview, the child’s parents, guardians or tutors expose in great detail the reason for consulting an expert and all relevant information concerning the child.

Following this initial interview, there is a first meeting with the child. Two or three meetings, including a series of tests which will provide relevant information (this may vary with each case), would be enough to get to know the child and to encounter whatever concerns he or she may have.

A final interview with the parents, guardians or tutors, will consist in helping them come to term with what is happening to their child and finding the best way of helping them.

What happens during the therapy sessions?

The therapy sessions consist in a sequence of sessions in which the psychologist works with the child through different aspects of their concern.

The sessions will usually consist of games and activities related to the child’s troubles which help with further identification. Depending on the disorder, the frequency and length of these sessions may vary. These sessions may be individual or in groups with other children.

The child is, in essence, curious, fun and creative. The therapy has to help him return to his essence and be happy.