Child and adolescent psychologist

We help children and young people who are unwell

Just like adults, children and young people can suffer from anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem and more. Our therapists have extensive experience of working with children and young people who are unwell. We also provide support to parents and relatives of children and young people who are unwell.

Child psychologist - for younger children

It can be difficult to recognize that children, especially young children, are not feeling well. But even younger children may need help from a psychologist and it is often possible to help the child feel better. For very young children, help involves parental support from a psychologist, but as long as the child can put their feelings into words, they will be treated. Common areas where a child psychologist can help are:

• Eating difficulties

• Emotional outbursts

• Fear and great concern

• Social difficulties

• Sleep problems

• Emotions after a crisis

Effective practices for children

As with adults, the methods a psychologist uses to help a child can vary. Often, work with a child starts with an interview involving the parents. Based on the initial interview, the psychologist or therapist will make a recommendation for future support. This may mean that you as a parent are present during all sessions, during some sessions or not at all, when it is more appropriate for the child and parent to have individual and separate sessions with the psychologist.

Counseling for children

Counseling is a method of reaching children who, for example, have negative thoughts that drag them down into depression or depression-like states. Often, counseling also means that the child is given homework to practice things between sessions with the child psychologist.

CBT children

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be an effective method to help children feel better. With CBT, the child psychologist focuses on changing behaviors, thoughts, and patterns that the child is stuck in and that make the child not feel well. CBT for children and adults follows a similar approach, although all CBT and therapy is obviously adapted to the person and their situation.

Youth psychologist

It is becoming increasingly common for young people to feel unwell, for many reasons and with many symptoms. Young people can seek help on their own, but of course you as a parent can also seek help for your young person. However, it can be difficult to know when a young person needs help from a psychologist, as adolescence is generally a turbulent time when it can be difficult for parents to keep up with and understand their child.

There are some signs to look out for and when your young person exhibits one or more of them, we would recommend that you contact us for a consultation. These may include:

• Great irritation and anger

• Concentration difficulties

• Physical problems such as stomach pains or headaches

• Sleep problems and sleep disorders

• Great fatigue

• Concerns

• Signs of an eating disorder

• Changes in behavior, for example, the young person stops hanging out with friends or stops attending activities

• Sitting at home

Swedish psychologists help children in SVT series

Watch the episode on SVT - UR: "Hidden under the surface" where Sveapsykologernas specialist psychologist David Waskuri meets 16-year-old Oliver who suffers from social anxiety and computer game addiction. Both the youngster and his parents get the help they need. Watch the episode here: https://urplay.se/program/223632-dolt-under-ytan-mitt-barn-sitter-bara-framfor-datorn

Sveap Psychologists' specialist psychologist David Waskuri was also featured in another episode where he met 16-year-old Sam who is getting help with his drug addiction. Unfortunately, the episode is no longer available.