Taking a child to a Psychologist?

[Tinks]

One of my kids has been referred to a psychologist. I'm just wondering what to expect when we go to see her. Would I stay in the room or do they have one on one time with the child? What happens if the child doesn't want to answer questions or speak to her etc.

[Inanna]

How old is your child? In older children usually there is a meeting with the 3 of you - the psychologist will ask pertinent questions in a child friendly manner. Often then you will be asked to leave the room and the psychologist will spend time with the child. It has to be remembered that there is a patient/client confidentiality and the psychologist may not disclose everything your child shares. Unless of course it is necessary or the child gives permission.

Psychologists that deal with children who come with a good word of mouth reputation are usually wonderful women and men - I am sure you will find it a positive experience.

[Indadhanu]

Yep, exactly what Inanna said. Usually they'll do a 'Family Interview' talk about why they're their etc, then they'll have one-on-one time. The psychologist won't share anything they're talked about without permission or unless they need to share for 'duty of care'.

From someone who saw a psychologist as a child/teen, my advice is, don't make them feel different, or guilty, or like a 'drama queen' because they need to see a psychologist. I also wouldn't push the issue about what they talked about etc, as they're more likely to close up than open up if you push it. Obvious stuff really (to some people ).

[Turkish Delight]

I would love to take my DS, DH and i all to see a psych together on how to deal with DS's giftedness. We are really struggling atm.

Did the GP give you the referral Tinks?

[Tinks]

Thanks for your replies. I was hoping that was what would happen. This is a problem which has gone on for quite a while and I've done nothing about (feeling like a terrible mother atm). Would we be able to speak to the psychologist without the child in the room? There are things I'd like to discuss with her regarding the child that I don't want them hearing.

[Inanna]

Absolutely - just make sure you tee this up prior to your appointment. Many appointments will allow for this.

[Tinks]

I would love to take my DS, DH and i all to see a psych together on how to deal with DS's giftedness. We are really struggling atm.

Did the GP give you the referral Tinks?

Yes the GP gave us a referral.

My DS was referred to a psychologist for giftedness through school TD. he saw her and was tested etc during school time. We also got to meet with her on several occasions about it too. Does your school offer something like that?

[Indadhanu]

Yeah definitely GL, hope it all works out drama free

[squidipa]

depending on topic of conversation there is privacy laws and you may not get to know all the details of what the child has said, you may get to find out how the progress is going but not details and persifics from my experiance. THEY DO REGULAR TALKS WITH THE PARENTS BUT NOT ABOUT EXACT CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILD.

Sorry caps to lazy to fix...

they do a 3 way meeting getting to know you and a parent meeting regually but the child meetings are 1 on 1 as i said depends on the nature of whats being spoken about weather you will know everything or not. feel free to pm me and ask anything.

[Turkish Delight]

Yes the GP gave us a referral.

My DS was referred to a psychologist for giftedness through school TD. he saw her and was tested etc during school time. We also got to meet with her on several occasions about it too. Does your school offer something like that?

OMG Tinks we really need to get together

My son's school sux. They just teach him all the inappropriate stuff.

[Tinks]

depending on topic of conversation there is privacy laws and you may not get to know all the details of what the child has said, you may get to find out how the progress is going but not details and persifics from my experiance. THEY DO REGULAR TALKS WITH THE PARENTS BUT NOT ABOUT EXACT CONVERSATIONS WITH CHILD.

Sorry caps to lazy to fix...

they do a 3 way meeting getting to know you and a parent meeting regually but the child meetings are 1 on 1 as i said depends on the nature of whats being spoken about weather you will know everything or not. feel free to pm me and ask anything.

Thanks squiddy. I don't mind if I don't know everything that is said between the psychologist and my child, as long as they feel better in the long run and return to the happy child I once knew I will be a VERY happy mum.