Does my child need psychotherapy?

It is part of growing up for children and young people that problems and disorders occur. This is not always an expression of mental illness. Because children and young people do not develop without ups and downs. However, it may be that you as a parent feel insecure due to persistent problems or that teachers or doctors draw attention to them.

The psychological complaints can be caused by external or internal experiences. Illness, relocation, separation and loss or reorganization of the family are often disruptive events for the children concerned and require time to process.

But the inevitable physical and psychological developmental steps can also be experienced as worrying developmental tasks that are difficult to cope with.

The disturbed balance can be restored after a short time and the crisis can be overcome. However, if it becomes apparent that the problems are persisting, moodiness, anxiety or withdrawal are increasing, the conflicts are becoming more serious or psychosomatic illnesses are occurring, it is advisable to seek professional help.

Diagnosis and indication

In the diagnostic interviews, a process already takes place from which an initial approach to the problem arises. In the case of children and younger adolescents, a parent or family discussion usually takes place first. This is followed by conversations with the child in which they can present themselves, e.g. through play. The diagnostic phase is rounded off with a final interview in which the diagnostic findings are discussed either with the parents or with the children or adolescents. This is also where an understanding of the problem is developed and ways are discussed that can lead to a solution to the crisis or to a change in the situation.