Parents should consider consulting a child psychologist when their child exhibits persistent emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges that disrupt day-to-day functioning.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).
Child therapy is safe when conducted by a trained child or clinical psychologist using developmentally appropriate therapeutic methods tailored for the child’s needs.
American Psychological Association (APA).
Delays in core developmental areas (speech, motor, cognition, socialization, and self-help).
Persistent struggles in emotional regulation, including frequent tantrums, episodes of aggression, and withdrawal.
Difficulty in maintaining eye contact, connecting with peers, and following social cues.
Difficulty in engaging in tasks or actions that they were initially able to perform.
Repetitive behaviors such as rocking and hand-flapping.
Problems with self-care tasks such as feeding or sleeping.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Early intervention helps improve a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth while preventing possible mental health challenges of the future.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Yes, a psychologist who works with toddlers often uses appropriate techniques to uncover the child’s underlying needs, help them overcome their difficulties, and teach parents how to manage explosive episodes patiently, all while reducing stress and improving the parent-child relationship.
NHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
A child therapy session typically begins with a check-in, followed by a core activity, such as play or art, to facilitate emotional expression and skill building. The session is usually closed with a review and a take-home task that helps reinforce what was learnt.
British Psychological Society (BPS) is the source
Yes, parents are encouraged to be present during their child’s sessions to improve therapeutic outcomes. However, their level of involvement can vary depending on therapy goals.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
No. Child psychology is also concerned with everyday concerns that require behaviour management and emotional adjustment.
Raising Children Network (Australia).
No. Therapy does not alter a child’s personality; it helps develop healthy behavioral patterns, better emotional attitudes, and adaptive coping skills.
American Psychological Association (APA).
Duration of therapy depends on the child’s needs and the type of therapy required.
A single session typically lasts anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes, with frequency depending on the child’s age and intensity of the issue.
For extensive cases, sessions can stretch for multiple hours, with breaks in between.
(National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH).
Yes. Ethics require psychologists to maintain confidentiality and keep all information secure.
Pakistani Psychological Association (PPA).
Play therapy uses play as a way for children to express their emotions and develop adaptive skills in a safe, guided environment. It has proved to be significantly effective with children.
Association for Play Therapy (APT).
Yes. Psychologists assist children experiencing difficulty adjusting to various social environments, including school settings.
UNICEF – Child Mental Health & Well-being
No, seeing a child psychologist does not mean that your child has a mental health disorder. In fact, numerous parents seek help for emotional and behavioral concerns that are temporary and situational.
Timely addressing such minor struggles helps prevent them from turning into complex issues.
World Health Organization (WHO).
During the process of child therapy, parents are guided to create consistent routines, model desired behaviors, and establish effective means of communication and emotional validation around the house. It helps greatly when they implement this guidance and reinforce what was learnt in therapy to ensure lasting change.
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.
Yes, in such cases, therapists use non-verbal techniques in play and art therapy, which help children express feelings without speaking about them.
Child Mind Institute
Culturally sensitive psychology honours the values, beliefs, and parenting practises often displayed in the local community and helps incorporate them through the therapeutic process to increase ease and effectiveness.
American Psychological Association – Cultural Competence Guidelines
Yes, psychologists assist in breaking the habit with conscious effort through various behavioral techniques and lifestyle changes.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Yes. Early therapeutic intervention assists affected children to overcome trauma or fear safely and appropriately as they grow.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
No, psychologists usually use language that is native to the region in which they practice.
Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA).
You will know therapy is working for your child when you see improvement in your child’s ability to express emotions, behave adaptively, cope well with everyday stressors, and take part in social activities without needing constant guidance. Positive signs include improved behavior, healthy emotional expression, and a strengthened parent-child relationship.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
No, psychologists can not prescribe medication to their clients. If medical management is required, a referral to a suitable psychiatrist needs to be made.
American Psychological Association (APA).