Signs Your Child May Benefit from Seeing a Therapist

When Should You Consider Going to Therapy?

Every child experiences challenges as they grow, but some difficulties may require professional support. As a parent, it can be difficult to determine whether your child is going through a temporary phase or may benefit from seeing a therapist child psychologist.

At TT Psychology, we provide evidence-based psychological support for children, adolescents, and families. Our services include child and adolescent therapy, trauma-informed interventions, and a comprehensive range of neurodevelopmental assessments. This includes—but is not limited to—assessments for ADHD and Autism. For a full list of the assessments we offer, please refer to our website.

We also offer art therapy as a separate service, delivered by a trained art therapist. This approach can be particularly helpful for children who benefit from creative, non-verbal expression. Counselling is also available as a distinct service and may be recommended alongside art therapy to support emotional wellbeing through talk-based strategies.

If you are concerned about your child’s emotional, social, or behavioural wellbeing, recognising the signs that they may need professional support is the first step.

Signs Your Child May Need  Support

Children express distress in different ways, and their struggles may not always be obvious. However, there are certain behavioural, emotional, and social signs that may indicate a need for psychological support:

1. Persistent Anxiety or Worry
If your child frequently experiences excessive worry, irrational fears, or struggles with separation anxiety, this could indicate an underlying anxiety disorder. A swap for therapist can help them develop healthy coping strategies.

2. Difficulty Regulating Emotions
Frequent mood swings, outbursts of anger, or difficulty calming down may suggest challenges with emotional regulation. A therapist can support your child with tailored strategies to build self-regulation and resilience.

3. Social Withdrawal or Friendship Struggles
Avoiding social situations, difficulty making friends, or experiencing social anxiety are signs that a child may benefit from therapy to build communication and confidence.

4. Changes in Sleep or Eating Habits
Significant shifts in sleep or appetite—such as nightmares, insomnia, overeating, or loss of appetite—can indicate emotional distress that should be addressed with professional support.

5. Struggles at School
Difficulties with concentration, academic performance, or following instructions may be linked to learning challenges, ADHD, or emotional issues. An ADHD or academic assessment can provide clarity. A therapist can provide strategies to support your child with these challenges. 

6. Traumatic Experiences or Grief
Following events such as loss, bullying, divorce, or illness, therapy can help children process their emotions. EMDR therapy is one approach used to support recovery from trauma in a developmentally safe way.

7. Low Self-Esteem or Negative Self-Talk
If your child regularly expresses self-doubt, fear of failure, or avoids trying new things, therapy can help build confidence and a positive self-image.

What Types of Therapy Can Help Your Child?

At TT Psychology, we provide a range of therapies and assessments tailored to each child’s unique emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs.

Child Psychology Services

Our child psychologists work with children and adolescents using evidence-based approaches to address a wide range of emotional and behavioural concerns.

Comprehensive Psychological Assessments

We offer a broad suite of neurodevelopmental and cognitive assessments. These provide insights into a child’s strengths and challenges, informing effective strategies for home, school, and therapy.

  • ADHD Assessment: Helps identify attention-related challenges and guides support strategies.
  • Autism Assessment: Explores social communication, sensory preferences, and behavioural traits to inform support plans.
  • Cognitive Assessments: Assesses intellectual ability, processing speed, and working memory.
  • Academic & Learning Assessments: Identifies learning disorders such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia.

For more on our full assessment offerings, please visit our website.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps children and adolescents process distressing memories and trauma. It is particularly effective for anxiety, PTSD, and unresolved emotional experiences.

Talk Therapy & Play-Based Therapy

Our psychologists tailor each session to the child’s age, communication style, and needs:

Talk Therapy
Talk therapy provides a supportive space for children to explore thoughts and emotions with a psychologist. Using age-appropriate techniques, therapists help children build awareness, resilience, and strategies for emotional wellbeing. This approach is beneficial for children experiencing:

  • Anxiety or stress
  • Emotional regulation difficulties
  • Low confidence or self-esteem
  • Social or family relationship challenges

Play-Based Therapy
For younger children or those who find it difficult to verbalise their emotions, play-based therapy offers a natural way to process feelings. Through storytelling, games, and role play, psychologists help children explore their inner experiences safely and creatively. Play-based therapy can support:

  • Verbal communication challenges
  • Trauma, grief, or major transitions
  • Social skills development
  • Emotional awareness and regulation

Art Therapy 

Art therapy is delivered by a trained art therapist. It is a non-verbal therapeutic approach that uses creative tools such as drawing and painting to support emotional exploration.

Art therapy may help children with:

  • Anxiety or emotional regulation issues
  • Low self-esteem
  • Verbal communication difficulties
  • Trauma or significant life changes

Art therapy can be used on its own or to complement other therapies depending on the child’s preferences and goals. For example, counselling is also offered as a separate service and may be recommended alongside art therapy to support children through talk-based emotional support.

How to Get Started 

1. Observe and Take Notes

Track behaviours or concerns that seem ongoing or unusual. This helps provide context to the psychologist.

2. Book an Initial Appointment
Our clinicians will meet with parents and carers to understand your child’s needs and discuss suitable support options. This may include:

  • Talk or play-based psychological therapy
  • EMDR therapy
  • Psychological assessments (ADHD, Autism, cognitive, academic, etc.)
  • Art therapy 
  • Counseling

3. Receive a Personalised Support Plan
Following the appointment, your psychologist will recommend a tailored treatment plan designed to match your child’s age and needs.

4. Keep an Open Dialogue
Reassure your child that therapy is a positive, helpful space. This can make them feel more comfortable as they begin their sessions.

How Much Does Child Psychology Cost?

Fees vary depending on the type of therapy or assessment.
Please refer to our Fees Page for up-to-date pricing.

Why Choose TT Psychology?

At TT Psychology, we are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care in a warm and inclusive environment.

By choosing us, you’ll benefit from:

  • Experienced child psychologists, counselors and art therapists
  • Expertise in neurodevelopmental assessments, EMDR therapy, and trauma-informed approaches
  • A neuroaffirming, inclusive philosophy
  • Personalised care for children, teens, and families

Find the Right Support for Your Child

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, early support can make a lasting difference.

Contact TT Psychology today to book an appointment and take the first step in helping your child thrive.

Book an Appointment

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