Features of the work of child psychologists
A child psychologist knows the psychological characteristics of children. Knows how to determine to what extent a child's development corresponds to age norms. The main diagnostic and correction methods are:
- Conversations.
- Testing.
- Games.
- Fairytale therapy.
- Sand therapy.
- Art therapy.
To interest the baby, establish trust with him, conduct classes, there are plasticine, paints, colored pencils, toys in the office.
The work is carried out in two directions at once: with the parents and with the child. Already at the first consultation, the essence of the problem is clarified, information about family relationships is collected. For example, it is established whether the parents spend enough time with the child, whether there is overprotection.
From the first minutes of acquaintance, the psychologist observes the behavior of the baby, then talks to him, offers to answer the test questions, perform exercises. All this is necessary in order to draw a conclusion about the level of development of thinking, speech, attention, orientation in space and other higher mental functions, as well as to identify individual psychological characteristics.
Parents are informed about the results of diagnostics, they are given recommendations. If necessary, a plan of correctional classes is drawn up. If a serious developmental disorder is suspected, consultation with a psychotherapist may be recommended.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist
To become a psychotherapist, you must complete training at a medical institute and receive a higher medical education.
A psychotherapist is a doctor who has the authority to administer medication. The psychologist does not prescribe medications and uses other methods of psychological assistance (mentioned above).
When to see a child psychologist and when to see a psychotherapist
Usually, serious deviations in the development of the child are found at routine appointments with a pediatrician. He gives a referral to a narrow specialist.
Parents on their own initiative can visit a specialized doctor if they notice a delay in speech development, abnormal games, insufficient response to human speech, etc.
A child psychologist works with healthy children who do not have relationships with their parents, peers, and other people. If aggressiveness, impulsiveness, moodiness, timidity, isolation, shyness are observed; resentment; low self-esteem, self-doubt, etc.
Moreover, you can contact a child psychologist, even if there are no problems, but you need to prepare for kindergarten or school. Thus, with the help of a child psychologist, the child:
- Overcome behavioral and emotional problems.
- Learn to build relationships with other people.
- Prepare for kindergarten or school.
- Will reveal his intellectual and creative abilities.
In the person of a child psychologist, parents will find an assistant who will explain the reasons for the existing problems and assist in their elimination and give recommendations taking into account the characteristics of the child's personality.
