Psychotherapy | Somerset West | Et Al Therapy and Learning Centre

1. About psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy addresses emotional distress in a non-judgemental manner. A child communicates through play and play therapy utilises this to help to support the child through trauma and other life challenges, to teach social and coping skills and to build self-esteem, increase self-knowledge and insight.

2. What is the role of our profession?
The psychologist helps children and adults to cope with distress and to understand their challenges better. He/ she also empowers clients to solve problems.

3. When is therapy needed/ what diagnoses can benefit from our profession:
Therapy is needed, when a child shows dramatic changes in mood, scholastic progress and/or behaviour.
When a child has experienced trauma
Therapy can help pre-empt problems, by preparing a child for life- altering changes.
Therapy is indicated when anxiety, depression or low self-esteem inhibits social interactions.

The following problems are often referred to psychologists:
– Concentration difficulties
– Autism Spectrum Disorder
– Enuresis (bedwetting)
– Encopresis (soiling)
– Relationship difficulties
– Anxiety
– Depression
– Poor scholastic performance
– Poor social skills
– Low self-esteem
– Learning difficulties
– Trauma
– Dealing with the “effects” of abuse
– Tantrums/ behavioural difficulties

Psychologists also assess school readiness, and can make suggestions regarding school placement, subject choice and career guidance.

4. When should therapy/ intervention begin ?
As soon as it becomes clear that the problem/ distress is negatively affecting scholastic progress or social interactions.

5. Who refers to our profession?
Medical Specialists: Paediatricians , Psychiatrists
Medical Teams: General Practitioners , Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists
Educational Teams: Teachers, Remedial Therapists
Family: Parents, Guardians, Spouses