Child psychologist in Dubai

What can a child psychologist help with?

Our child psychologists help with:

• Worries and fearsAll five of them work with anxiety in children and teenagers.
• Low moodSadness, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy.
• BehaviourAnger, outbursts or refusing to do things, at home or at school.
• Hard experiencesAll five help after trauma or a frightening event.
• Grief and lossLosing someone close, or another big loss.
• Thoughts or habits they can't stopThese can be a sign of OCD.
• ConfidenceFeeling good about themselves.
• Big changesA new school, a move to a new country, or parents separating.
• Worries about eatingTwo of our psychologists help with this.

For the whole family together, we also offer family sessions.

Some of our psychologists also assess children for ADHD, autism and learning difficulties. See ADHD assessment and autism assessment.

A psychologist for teenagers

Teenagers often want more say in their own care. That's a healthy part of growing up.

Our psychologists see teenagers at their own pace. They often use CBT, a talking therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions link. DBT skills help a teenager handle strong emotions. Ms Ghania sees teenagers in English, French or Arabic.

Time on their own. Many teenagers find it easier to talk without a parent in the room. So, depending on their age, a teenager may spend some time alone with the psychologist. Parents usually still join some appointments.

What stays private. Teenagers talk more openly when they know their sessions are private. At the start, the psychologist explains to you both what stays between your teenager and them.

Behaviour therapy for children: what does a behavioural therapist do?

Behaviour therapy looks at what sets a behaviour off, and what keeps it going. Then the psychologist works with your child, and with you, on new routines.

It can include:

• calm, steady ways for parents to respond;
• helping your child name big feelings and calm down;
• problem-solving, and getting on with others;
• CBT for older children and teenagers.

Parents are a big part of this. New habits are easier to learn when home and sessions pull in the same direction.

At British Premier, three of our psychologists help children with behaviour, often working closely with parents.

Your child's first appointment

Children feel calmer when they know what to expect. Here are some ways to explain the visit.

Younger children

• Keep it short and honest: "We're going to meet someone whose job is helping children with feelings and worries."
• Tell them they're not in trouble, and it isn't a test.
• Explain that it isn't a doctor's check-up. There are no injections.

Older children

• Use their own words for the problem, such as "the worries about school".
• Let them ask questions, and answer as honestly as you can.
• Remind them that lots of children see a psychologist. It doesn't mean something is wrong with them.

Teenagers

• Involve them in the decision. Ask what they'd like to talk about.
• Tell them they may have some time alone with the psychologist, and that their sessions are private.
• If they're unsure, that's OK. Coming once doesn't commit them to anything.

Not sure whether your child should come to the first appointment? Ask us on the free call.

For what happens in the session itself, see what a first therapy session is like.