Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents
Children experience challenges at school or emerging psychological difficulties that can be effectively addressed through therapy and family-focused interventions.
When a child recognises that her body is separate from mother's body and Other, she experiences anxiety caused by something lost.
Information for parents about child and adolescent treatment
I offer treatment and intervention for children aged five and older, addressing challenges such as peer conflicts, attention difficulties, ADHD tendencies, and struggles with classroom instructions. Behavioral concerns, such as defiance or disagreeableness, often reflect underlying issues that can be uncovered and addressed through early intervention, improving the child’s well-being and performance. My approach is psychoanalytic, considering the unconscious dynamics that manifest in a child’s behavior within their relevant contexts.
To begin, book an appointment where we can discuss your observations and concerns. I will gather a detailed history of your child’s family, education, and background to develop tailored recommendations. As part of the process, I may collaborate with your child’s educators or suggest family consultations in my practice to address relational dynamics and foster meaningful interventions. Parental or guardian involvement is integral for this to work, and I will guide you through each session as we progress together.
Bita’s child psychology expertise
I commenced my clinical training and internship many years ago, working in primary schools with children facing a range of complex challenges, including autism, severe developmental issues, attentional difficulties, ADHD, psychotic disorders, anxiety, and depression. Often, these difficulties were triggered from significant transitions or changes within the family, such as illness, the loss of a loved one, or even the passing of a family pet - events that carry profound meaning and importance for children. I provided intensive individual psychotherapy for children and regularly met with one or both parents to discuss concerns and track progress.
My approach is based in psychoanalytic theory, which emphasizes the critical role of family dynamics and childhood experiences. This perspective is particularly effective in childhood interventions, as children generally have fewer defenses and often progress more quickly than adults in therapy. A key aspect of successful treatment is ensuring that the entire family is aligned in supporting the child’s therapeutic journey. I am here to listen, understand, and address the challenges emerging within your family.
FAQs about child sessions and structure
Effective treatment benefits from a supportive and collaborative approach. I am here to understand and help address the challenges you face regarding your child.
What is the session structure with Bita?
The first step is to book an appointment. Ideally, both parents should attend the initial session. If one parent is overseas, we can arrange a hybrid session to ensure their participation. In cases where only one parent is involved, or if there are family intervention orders or separated families, I can conduct separate interviews with each parent.
It’s essential to understand that children exist within a family context, and the interventions I recommend often involve family discussions in my consulting room. Meeting with both parents is clinically important to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Please complete the booking form to begin the process. I’ll ring back to confirm a time with you. You are responsible for coordinating your joint attendance.
What do we need to bring to the first session?
Please do not bring the child to the first session. I always meet with the parents first. You can bring any relevant documents, such as school letters, reports, or copies of intervention orders. Please ensure you bring copies.
Please note that no Medicare rebates apply for this session. Rebates are only available for diagnosed mental health conditions where the child is receiving treatment. In some cases, the issue may be addressed initially by meeting with the parents on a weekly basis, with the child seen at a later time. I will make these considerations during our session. There are no single-session interventions.
What do the child sessions involve with Bita?
If I am treating your child directly, I will meet with them on a weekly basis. During these sessions, we may use a combination of play therapy and talking to explore the issues they are facing. The approach will be tailored to your child's needs and developmental stage.
I don’t get along with the other parent, and we have different parenting styles. Do they have to come?
Parental disagreements are important and may be relevant to discuss in the session. However, parent sessions with me are distinct from couple therapy sessions. If it is determined that both parents need therapy, I can address that directly with each parent during the session.
For the purpose of addressing issues related to your child, it’s important to focus on the child’s needs and the perspectives shared by the parents or other caregivers. Disagreements between parents should be kept separate and discussed in your own therapy sessions.