What happens in a child psychology session?

If you’re thinking about therapy for your child – or you’ve just booked their first appointment – you might be wondering what happens in a child psychology session.

You might also be asking:

• Will my child be expected to sit still for the entire appointment?

• What if my child is nervous or doesn't want to see the psychologist – how will the psychologist help them feel safe and comfortable at their first appointment?

• What if they find it hard to talk about their feelings and challenges?

• Will I be in the consultation room with my child, and if I’m not, will I know what my child and the psychologist talk about?

These are normal – and very common - questions to ask. In this article, you'll find insights to help you and your child prepare for the their first session, with comments from Lucy - a Registered Psychologist who works with children aged 5+.

What to expect in a child psychology session

Child psychology sessions aren’t just about sitting and chatting. And no two appointments have to ‘look’ the same.

Each visit is tailored to your child’s needs, preferences, and abilities. So, if expressing themselves or sitting still isn’t their strong point right now, their psychologist will be well prepared and supportive. And they’ll have a toolbox full of ideas to help your child make the most of their session.

Let's dive into a few of the most commonly asked questions about child psychology sessions.

Will my child have to sit in a chair and talk for an hour?

Rest assured - your child won’t be expected to sit still for close to an hour.

Lucy explains: “A session typically involves movement – sitting on a chair, engaging in an activity, using the whiteboard."

Activities may include drawing, role play, games, colouring, and other play-based approaches. Wherever possible, they'll be tailored to your child's interests.

As your child focuses on an activity, their psychologist will chat with them and observe their behaviours and interactions. This helps them better understand your child and the challenges they may be facing.

It's worth noting that sessions are always flexible. If, for example, role play is preferred one week, and not the next, the psychologist will happily adjust their approach to suit.

How will the psychologist help my child feel comfortable and safe at their first appointment?

The first appointment is typically a 'getting to know you' session. The focus is on building connection and trust.

“As part of the first session, I usually prepare several activity options for the child to observe and choose from,” Lucy explains. “I aim to give the child a sense of autonomy and choice over what they’d like to do. For some children, this might involve chatting. For others, it may mean choosing an activity to do together.”

It's important to know that children are never forced to talk about topics they're not ready to explore - sessions are designed to feel safe and low-pressure.

Lucy tells us, "I'll start by asking questions about your child's interests, school, and home life, and then I might include some subtle questions about their reported challenge."

What if my child finds it hard to express themselves?

A feelings wheel designed for children

Psychologists have a toolbox full of approaches to help your child express themselves - and they don't have to express themselves verbally.

Lucy tells us that these tools can include:

• Visual tools (feeling wheels, emotion cards)

• Games

• Creative activities (drawing, storytelling, role play)

• Observing their behaviours and interactions as they engage in activities

Will I be in the consultation room with my child?

At your child's first session, you'll typically spend some one-on-one time with the psychologist.

This gives you a chance to:

• Discuss any concerns

• Learn how the service works

• Understand how you can support your child post-session

In future sessions, school-aged children are usually asked if they want a parent or carer in the room with them. At this age - once they feel safe and comfortable - they might prefer to see the psychologist alone. This can help them build their independence and confidence, while also maintaining privacy.

Will I know what my child is discussing, and what strategies they're learning?

Even if you're not in the room, your psychologist will want to involve you in the process - while still respecting your child's privacy. This might look like a quick catch-up at the end - or after - the appointment.

Lucy highlights the benefit of attending at least a part of your child's session: "it gives you time to observe how I interact and frame certain things so you can trial the same approaches at home."

Regardless of whether you’re in the room or not, Lucy says, "I always like to check in with the parents to update them on the session's focus areas and the new skills and strategies that we're discussing."

I haven't booked an appointment yet - what do I need to consider before booking?

Choosing the right psychologist for your child can feel like an overwhelming task. Below, we share some things to consider and research before you book their first appointment.

1.) Who do you want your child to see?

Are you comfortable seeing a psychologist who works across all age groups, or would you prefer someone who only works with children and young people? It's important to know that not all psychologists work with younger children so check suitability before booking.

You should be able to find information about specific psychologists on practice websites, or by calling a practice to learn more.

2.) When might you want an appointment?

If out-of-school hour appointments or weekend appointments are a must-have, check practice opening times carefully.

Also note that out-of-school hours might be very popular - ask the practices that you are researching how easy or difficult it may be to see a psychologist after 3:30pm.

3.) How long are current wait times?

Waitlist times will vary not just by practice, but also by individual psychologist. Contact practices you're interested in to learn more about how long you'll have to wait to see a psychologist.

4.) Which funding option might your child might be eligible for?

Know how you intend to cover the cost of psychology sessions before booking your appointment. Some common funding options include Medicare, private health extras, and NDIS. Note that these options all have strict eligibility criteria.

You may also be able to access psychology services - without needing a referral - as a full fee-paying client.

5.) Which funding options do the practices you're interesed in accept?

The funding options accepted will vary by practice. For example, not all psychologists can provide Medicare-subsidised sessions.

6.) Does your child needs a referral?

Whether or not your child needs a referral will depend on how you will be paying for their appointments. Accessing psychology services through Medicare, for example, requires a referral from a GP, psychiatrist or GP, along with a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP).

7.) How much will a child psychology session will cost?

Costs will vary by practice. And costs don't just apply to full fee-paying clients. At non bulk-billing practices, you will need to pay a gap fee for appointments accessed through Medicare and private health extras with mental health cover.

Taking next steps

Whether you've booked an appointment or you're still researching options, don't be shy to reach out to a practice with questions about their psychologists and how they structure child psychology appointments.

If you have questions or concerns, our friendly team is always here to help. Contact us 8292 5300 or at info@activ8group.com.au to learn more.

Meet Lucy, Registered Psychologist

Lucy is a Registered Psychologist who works with children (5+), teenagers, and adults at our Parkside (Unley Rd) and Salisbury (Commerical Rd) practices.

She provides therapy across multiple funding frameworks including Medicare and NDIS. Visit Lucy's team profile to learn more about her qualifications and experience.