Hirst suggests that one in five children has some form of mental health problem, ranging from eating and attention deficit disorders to conditions such as depression (1999:19). However, there are many other issues and painful experiences that needs to be addressed in child therapy such as parental separation or divorce, family violence, bereavement, separation anxiety, poor school performance, ADHD, bullying, and low self-esteem.
(Hirst, J. (1999). Growing strong’, Community Care. 12-19 May, pp.18-19)
Therapy
The methodology of child therapy (play therapy, behavioural, cognitive behavioural therapy etc.) depends not only on the problem but also the context in which the problem manifests itself. The child either needs to learn a new desired behaviour or skill (e.g. social skills, anger management, bladder control, self esteem) or needs to reduce or eliminate an undesired response or behaviour (e.g. temper-tantrums, stealing, anxiety).
Some Problematic Behaviour to alert parents/caregivers to possible problems children may experience: |
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• Poor school performance
• Hostile, aggressive and/or oppositional behaviour
• Sleeping problems
• Somatic Complaints (headaches, stomach-aches)
• Appearing anxious, restless
• Lack of spontaneity and playfulness
• Hyperactive
• Disinterest or problems with concentration patient live |
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