Frequently Asked Questions

What does a clinical psychologist do?

Clinical psychologists work with infants, children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. They provide a range of services including clinical assessment and diagnosis, psychometric assessment, counselling and therapy, and consultancy. They have specialised training in the assessment and diagnosis of mental health problems and the assessment and treatment of a wide range of psychological problems that include social, emotional, behavioural, developmental and learning difficulties.

Clinical psychologists apply a scientist-practitioner approach, utilising psychological interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating the particular difficulties that a child or young person is presenting with. They do not prescribe medication. Moreover, they are specialists in applying psychological theory and scientific research to resolve clinical problems across the lifespan.

Clinical Psychologists work with a wide range of issues including significant anxiety and depression, eating disorders, sleep disorders, developmental disorders (e.g., Autism), trauma, pain management, drug abuse and addiction. In practice, most clinical psychologists develop expertise within specific age groups and within specific areas of clinical interest.

Child Clinical Psychologists usually have additional training and/or significant experience in working with infants, children and adolescents. They have expert knowledge in normal child development and in social, emotional and behavioural difficulties that can emerge at every developmental age and stage.

MCPC Child Clinical Psychologists have knowledge of the most recent developments in infant, child and adolescent psychology and are committed to scientifically-informed, innovative, and up to date approaches.

Clinical Psychology Assessment

The clinical psychology assessment informs formulation, diagnosis and treatment planning.

It involves collating information from multiple sources that may include a parent interview, a teacher interview, a child/young person observation/interview, and screening questionnaires.

The information is integrated to develop a comprehensive formulation that assists in understanding the child’s/young person’s presenting issues.  This may involve the use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition, (DSM-IV-TR) and/or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Edition, (ICD-10).

At times, a clinical assessment may include administering a range of psychometric tools and tests. The main aim of psychometric assessment is to provide a diagnosis, assess level of functioning or disability and help direct treatment.  A common psychometric test used with children is the WISC-V. A useful psychometric measure must be both valid (i.e., actually measures what is claims to measure) and reliable (i.e., internally consistent or give consistent results over time).

What should I expect?

What happens in the first session?

Your psychologist will want to gain a good understanding of your child's presenting difficulties and your current concerns. Your psychologist will explain the assessment process which may include a parent interview and a child session. Your psychologist will provide you with feedback, recommendations and undertake shared goal setting. Your psychologist will aim to be respectful, caring, transparent and collaborative throughout the process.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is an evidenced based approach which means that there is scientific research that supports the effectiveness of this therapy with children and young people.

In general, CBT involves both 'cognitive therapy' and 'behaviour therapy'.  Cognitive therapy focuses on a person's pattern of thinking while behaviour therapy looks at associated actions.  When combined skilfully, these two approaches provide a very powerful method to help overcome a wide range of emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents.

CBT focuses on the 'here and now' whilst developing an understanding of past styles of thinking and behaviour that have developed over time.  One of the strengths of CBT is that in addition to helping people overcome their current symptoms, it also teaches the person skills and strategies they can apply to future situations.  Clinical psychologists will adapt and modify CBT models to tailor an intervention that best meets the unique needs of your child.  

MCPC psychologists draw from a range of evidence based practices to ensure that your child receives the most effective therapeutic interventions and strategies.  In addition to CBT, members of our team have a variety of skills and training across a number of treatment approaches including Mindfulness-based CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Play therapy and Family Therapy.

How to prepare my child for seeing a psychologist

You may wish to visit our Kids Space and Youth Space for answers to questions that your child might have like: “What are psychologists?”, “Why do kids see psychologists?” and “What will happen during the first visit?”

Tell your child about the appointment before you attend and explain the reason for the visit, using word's your child can understand.

• For very young children, tell them before you arrive and let them know what is going to happen. For preschool children, tell them what is going to happen the night before or on the day. You may also wish to tell them the name of the psychologist. Inform adolescents at the time that you are making the appointment and encourage them to talk about their throughs and feelings towards it.
• Answer any questions honestly in words your child can understand.
• Let your child know you will be there throughout the entire appointment (or that you will remain in the waiting room for older adolescents and young adults).
• Reassure you child that they do not have to say or do anything that they do not want to say or do.
• Reassure your child that lots of children/adolescents have the same problems, and that lots of children/adolescents see psychologists.

Bringing an object may help to increase your child’s sense of safety and security.  For babies, this may include a comfort toy or blanket. For pre-schoolers, this may include a favourite toy or book. If your child is likely to be hungry, bringing a snack and/or drink may be helpful.

Let them know that that no one else needs to know they are seeing a psychologist unless they choose to let them know.