Children may visit a psychologist for different reasons such as changes in behavior, sleep, or emotions. These sessions are planned to match the child’s age and situation. The child is gently guided through different activities that help the psychologist learn more about their thoughts and actions in a calm and friendly setting.
Starting with a short meeting
At the beginning, the child psychologist usually meets with the child and a parent or guardian. This meeting helps gather background information about daily habits, school behaviour, friendships, and any recent changes at home. The psychologist may ask simple questions and observe how the child responds. This helps plan the next few steps of the sessions.
Observing through play or drawing
Play-based activities are often part of sessions, especially with younger children. The psychologist may use toys, games, or drawing tools to see how the child expresses ideas. These activities are not just for fun—they show how the child thinks, feels, or reacts to different tasks. Drawing pictures, telling stories, or acting out scenes using figures can give clues about emotions or thoughts.
Checking communication and attention
During the session, the psychologist may also watch how the child speaks, listens, or follows instructions. For some children, speaking might take more time. Others may show signs of short attention or repeating certain actions. The psychologist notices these patterns and may make notes quietly during or after the session.
Asking questions and listening to stories
Older children might take part in short talks or answer questions about daily life. They may be asked to talk about their day, their feelings, or their thoughts about certain situations. The psychologist may also ask them to make up stories or explain drawings. These steps are taken slowly and in a way that feels natural to the child.
Sharing progress with parents or guardians
After a few sessions, the psychologist may speak with the parent or guardian about what was observed. This may include notes about behaviour, speech, or emotional reactions. In some cases, the psychologist might meet with teachers or other adults in the child’s life to learn more. Based on these early sessions, a plan is sometimes suggested for regular meetings.
