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Child & Adolescents
Child & Adolescent Psychology
We offer psychological support through Individual and Family Therapy. We help children and adolescents to deal with emotions as well as cope with challenging situations through various types of individual and group therapy including play and art therapy. We offer a mix of psychological interventions and skills building support groups to help growing minds to process feelings, process experiences and develop into the best version of themselves. We also offer psychoeducational assessments and school observations to help teachers to support children and adolescents with academic work as well as promote their emotional wellbeing.
What do we offer?
There are a variety of different approaches to therapy. We specialize in the following:
Play Therapy
Play is essential for children, helping them understand the world and develop social skills like sharing and patience. Play therapy uses toys and miniatures to allow children to express their feelings without complex language, helping them release tension and learn to manage emotions. It can be directive, where the therapist actively suggests solutions, or non-directive, where the child is empowered to find their own solutions at their own pace. The choice of approach depends on the child’s needs and the parents' concerns.
How can a child benefit from play therapy?
Play therapy is beneficial for all children, not just those facing deep emotional challenges. Through play therapy, children can:
- Improve communication skills
- Master feelings and develop self-control
- Enhance problem-solving, creativity, and flexibility
- Release negative emotions
- Explore alternative behaviors via role-play
- Experience empowerment through fantasy play
- Build positive relationships and self-esteem
- Learn self-acceptance, self-direction, and safety boundaries
- Foster self-responsibility
How many sessions does the child usually need?
It depends on the original concerns, child’s responses and family commitment. Please remember that every child is unique and that is why it is only possible to estimate, but not guarantee the exact length of sessions. Usually, it is recommended to have a minimum of six sessions to see some progress. It is recommended by Play Therapy Associations to engage the child in play therapy for about three months to see some long-term changes. Some children and families may need a year or more to achieve the desirable shift.
Are parents informed about what is happening in the session?
Yes and no. Parents are provided with the general information of what is child may be working on, but they will not be given full access to what the child is doing and saying in order to protect the child’s rights for confidentiality and privacy and keep trust. Without child trusting the therapist, there is a very little chance that they can express themselves freely and openly.
What materials are used?
We use specific type of toys to facilitate the child’s emotional expression. For example, dollhouses and kitchen appliances allow for nurturing play, while snakes and mice can serve as tools to express fears and aggression in a safe environment. In addition, there are some therapeutic games that could be played with the child individually and the whole family. Since COVID-19 pandemic, many online therapeutic resources emerged that are very helpful for online interaction.
Does online play therapy work?
Yes, it does. However, it depends on the child’s age and presenting concerns. Younger children who are 3-4 years of age might find it difficult to engage without parents and sustain attention for the whole 50 min. A child who is struggling with oppositional behaviour may also find it challenging to engage online. For the majority of children, online play therapy has shown to be an effective intervention that allow to use physical toys and digital resources to achieve the desirable shift.
What is the process?
- Parent Intake Meeting: A 50-minute session with parents to gather background information. One meeting is usually sufficient, but a second may be needed. Afterward, the therapist may send additional questionnaires for parents to complete.
- Child Session: The therapist meets the child for a 50-minute session, either alone or with parents joining for the last 20 minutes if needed for insights into family dynamics. This will be discussed with parents beforehand.
- Action Plan: The therapist writes up observations, recommendations, and an action plan, sharing questionnaire results with parents. Once they agree on the plan, therapy begins. Sessions typically last 6 to 12 meetings, depending on the child’s unique challenges and family commitment.
Filial play therapy
Filial play therapy is a psychoeducational family intervention where therapists train and supervise parents to engage in child-centered play therapy sessions with their children. This approach encourages parents to become key agents of change in their children's lives. The goal is to create a warm, safe environment where children can express themselves, learn social rules, take safe risks, establish boundaries, and develop social skills. Research shows that involving parents in play therapy enhances its effectiveness, as they learn to use play effectively with their children.
Art Therapy For Children
Art therapy is used with children and adolescents to help them express themselves and process their feelings by the means of artistic creation. Art therapy is especially suitable for children since it does not require the use of complex language ability. It allows to express the confusing and scary experience by the means of the picture and then make sense of that experience and process it in order to feel safe again. Art therapy does not only include drawing and painting, it can also include artistic mediums such as drama, music, creating movement, journaling, and expressive writing. Art therapy can help express emotions, work through traumatic experiences, communicate, manage emotions, and develop abilities.
Group Therapy
We offer various therapy and social skills-building groups for children and adolescents, meeting weekly for one to two hours with 10-15 participants and one or two psychologists. Each group targets specific challenges, such as anxiety or depression, or focuses on developing skills like confidence and self-esteem. These groups provide support and a safe space, requiring commitment and openness from participants. Before joining, a screening is conducted, which can be an in-person meeting or phone call, depending on the group's nature.
Parenting Guidance
Parenting is rewarding yet challenging, with new child development research constantly emerging. Approaches that worked for previous generations may not be effective in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you're short on time or seeking updated parenting strategies, consulting a professional can help support your child's development. Our psychologists offer guidance on managing disorders and proactive strategies to raise healthy, happy children.
Psychoeducational and Cognitive Assessments
We offer various cognitive and emotional assessments, including school observations to help assess, diagnose and develop a plan that can enhance your child’s emotional, cognitive and mental wellbeing. Please get in touch with us for more information.
Psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation process that involves the use of various standardized tests, observations, interviews, and other assessment tools to understand an individual’s cognitive abilities, academic skills, emotional functioning, and behaviour. This type of assessment is conducted by psychologists specialised in testing and educational assessments.
At Dr. Ola Wellness Hub, our psychologists who are members of British Psychological Society, provide full psychoeducational assessments and separate cognitive tests:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
- Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIATT)
- Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSY)
- Autism in Adolescence (ADOS)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
Our team of qualified psychologists can also conduct school observations, psychoeducational sessions and wellbeing session forschool staff and students.
To know more, please contact us today.
