 As a parent, it can be tough to see your child struggling with emotional or social difficulties. You want to help them, but sometimes it's hard to know where to start. That's where psychological therapy can come in. If you're considering bringing your child to their first session at Hopscotch and Harmony, it's natural to wonder what to expect. In this blog post, I'll walk you through what your child's first therapy session might look like. Before the Session Before the session, you'll have some paperwork to fill out. This will include things like your child's medical history, any medications they're taking, and details about their symptoms. It's important to be as honest and thorough as possible when filling out these forms as the more information your therapist has, the better they'll be able to help your child. The Initial Session The first session is usually a parent only session. This is an opportunity for the psychologist to get to know you and to gather more information about your child’s symptoms, challenges and strengths. The psychologist may ask you some questions, such as:
The Therapy Session After the initial session, your child will begin their therapy sessions. These sessions may be individual, family-based, or a combination of both. During the first therapy session, your child and the psychologist will likely engage in games and fun activities to begin building rapport and developing a therapeutic alliance. It's important to understand that therapy is a process, and it may take time for your child and you to see progress. The psychologist will work with you and your child to set goals and track progress, so you can see how your child is doing. Taking your child to their first psychological therapy session can feel daunting, but it's an important step towards helping them better understand themselves and improve their well-being. By being open and honest with your psychologist and supporting your child through the process, you can help them build the tools they need to thrive. It might also be helpful to show your child the profile of their clinician on the Hopscotch and Harmony website to help subside any nerves prior to the first session.
Jacob Spinks. Provisional Psychologist  Playing junior sport at an elite level can bring about feelings of performance anxiety, stress and nervousness. The journey can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming, and although it's normal to feel anxious and nervous before a big game, children do not have to experience these feelings alone. Excessive anxiety can hinder your performance and affect your overall quality of life. One of the most important things to remember is that you're not alone in this journey. Many athletes face similar challenges and feelings. Here are some ways to manage these feelings in the lead up to a big game: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualisation. These techniques can help you reduce anxiety levels and feel more calm and focused before a big game. Challenging negative thoughts is another helpful strategy to improve mental well-being. Negative thoughts can fuel anxiety and self-doubt, which can hinder your performance. Learning to challenge these thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations can help you feel more confident and focused. Seeking support from a trusted friend, coach, or psychologist can also make a significant difference in managing anxiety. These individuals can provide you with strategies and techniques to help manage your symptoms and provide you with the support you need. Building resilience is another important strategy to cope with the challenges that playing sport can bring. Resilience involves developing the skills and mindset to overcome setbacks and challenges. This can help you cope with the ups and downs of elite sports and reduce your anxiety levels. Lastly, taking care of your physical health can also help reduce anxiety. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy balance and feel your best. Remember, it's not just about achieving your goals, but also enjoying the journey. If you're struggling with anxiety, please don't hesitate to reach out for help.
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Child, Teen and Adult Psychology Fax: 03 8669 4076 admin@hopscotchandharmony.com.au |
Hopscotch and Harmony respectfully recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first Peoples of the continent now called Australia.
We acknowledge the Bunurong and Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we work, and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
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