Children's mental health is, quite rightly, finally getting the national attention it deserves. However the support isn't always as immediate and individual as we'd like. That's where we, as a profession, are able to help. We can work together at your pace to provide an understanding of the difficulties; creating strategies to address the concerns that you think are the most important.
The scope for mental ill health in children and young people is extensive. For example, you may have noticed that your child is displaying behaviours that you haven’t noticed before. They may be worrying more than they used to, spending more time in their room, withdrawing from family and friends. Maybe they are displaying angry and overly aggressive outbursts. Their challenges might affect daily life such as not wanting to go to school; a reduced appetite and changes in how much interest they are paying to their appearance. It might be that their behaviours are intensifying and you are struggling to know how to manage as they get older.
What's important to know is that if you are aware of any red flags you should follow your instincts and find out more. Any signs that your child is unhappy or struggling over a prolonged period should be cause for concern. Be equally assured though that getting through different stages of growing up brings with it natural and expected hormone fluctuations which may affect your child. But ultimately listen to your intuition and seek help at any stage.
If it's easier, we can talk about your concerns privately before you decide to involve your child. That way we can explore the challenges being faced with positivity, without creating any further issues. I can help you create an environment where you are all as relaxed as possible. This may involve going for a walk, creating a playful environment or simply having your child's favourite music on in the background.
"Zoe talked to me about my concerns first of all and together we chatted with my daughter in a non-confrontational, relaxed way until we started to make progress and really understood what was making her so withdrawn and anxious. I needed to make a start as soon as I realised it had become something more than your usual teen worries - this was painless and so very helpful" [Mum, Stafford].
As a qualified clinical psychologist, I can work with you and your child or young person to understand what is driving these behaviours. We will work collaboratively and in a structured way towards your goals. This may be offering strategies to alleviate psychological distress. It may be identifying strengths and weaknesses that can be helpful information to share with school. Or it may be completing assessments to rule in or out neurodevelopmental diversity such as ADHD or autism.
In whichever way we work together and whatever your goals, I can assure you that you and your child will be met with compassion, empathy and a gentle and supportive approach. Please email me or call me, I would be delighted to have the opportunity to speak to you about how I could help.
Dr Zoe Cross
07393 586164
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