Child psychologist

[cleomummy]

Anyone recommend a child psychologist Is this the right first step to help ds aged 6

For some reason your area hasn’t popped up on here so don’t know if I can be specific? For a clinical psychologist specialising in children and teenagers, make sure they are registered with the HCPC (they regulate the professional practice of psychologists). You could google for your area and then check the professional is registered with the HCPC. You can also search the BPS (British psychological society) website.

Also it depends what the problem your child needs help with; psychologists can usually help with mental health (anxiety etc), Neuro development issues (ASD,adhd), attachment, behaviour.. depends on the problem and what the psychologist specialises in. Hope that helps.

Thanks so much, it does. It's anger/emotional issues we need help with. We are in Bristol

Ah sorry I don’t know anyone specific in bristol, but did a quick google and these lot all look appropriately qualified:

www.bristolchildpsychologypractice.co.uk/index.html

www.bristolpsychologyservices.co.uk/about/team/

www.clinical-partners.co.uk/child-adolescents/private-psychologist-for-children-and-teenagers/child-psychologists-in-bristol

So dh had a talk with ds 6 last night as he's behaviour has been so challenging and another terrible bedtime last night. This is what he said.

I feel sad. That’s why I want blankie and hedgie (blanket and teddy) it helps me have time out and calm down
Why sad? Sad because of school.
Why? Because it’s all work lunch work work work. It gets more work in year 2. Don’t want to go.
(Said can easily do work. He was moved to top group. But found work easy but gets ‘impatient’ waiting for other children on carpet to finish)
Then at home it’s all star charts (marbles) and being told what to do.
Then I have to be perfect.
Me: we don’t expect you to be perfect. (Self pressure)
Him: weekends is only time I get (guess he means to chill out)

Asked why he’s good at school not home. Used the word embarrassed. Said at school he’d be embarrassed to mess around, whine etc. At home he can

We ve always suspect his behaviour at home is a release from having to be good a school. But the fact he can turn it on and off so easily makes me think he's not really unhappy. Why is this the real ds though? This isn't behaviour that's only started since school, he was a happy, go lucky baby and toddler until he got to 2.5/3 and I had dd.

Dh thinks he shows signs of depression. He's not withdrawn and on the outside is happy and engaged but with us he's whining, negative and complex.

Does this show we should see someone? I feel like I ve totally failed him.

Thanks so much SRK, will look now