Psychological Services

Educational assessments are conducted at the practice in the following areas:

• school readiness
• learning difficulties
• concentration and attentional difficulties (Attention Deficit Disorder)
• special educational needs
• accommodations and concessions – Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and National Department of Education, SACAI 
• cognitive handicap
• school placement
• various other educationally related areas
• dyslexia testing

The assessment process involves the following:

• an initial interview with the parent/guardian to obtain a background history
• an assessment of the child/adolescent
• a school visit/observation (optional)
• collateral information from teachers/therapists/available reports
• a verbal feedback session to parent/guardian based on the assessment and collateral information, with recommendations
• a written report is provided, on request

Developmental assessments involve an assessment of the child’s development. These can be conducted using developmental checklists from as early as the first year of life. Formal testing can be conducted from age 3, when indicated. These are appropriate for children where developmental delays/disorders are suspected, with a view to early intervention

A child’s social and emotional wellbeing is important in its own right but also because it can affect physical health. Good social, emotional and psychological health helps protect children against emotional and behavioural problems. A child’s ability to manage and develop positive relationships, regulate emotions, be self- aware, develop skills of empathy and motivation all impact on the ability to succeed within a school setting.

An emotional assessment is usually conducted when there are emotional indicators (such as anxiety, mood changes) or when a parent would like to facilitate a child’s coping skills.

The process involves the following:

• an initial interview with the parent/guardian to obtain a background history where concerns/observations can be discussed
• sessions are arranged where an emotional screening is conducted
• a school visit/observation (if appropriate)
• collateral information from teachers/therapists/available reports (if appropriate)
• a verbal feedback session to the parent/guardian is conducted, based on the emotional screening, with recommendations and discussion of an intervention plan

General counselling and support are provided to children and their families where there is a need or a concern.

The following specific counselling services are offered in the following areas:

• Following the diagnosis of a long term illness or disability of a child
• Support to the child where the parent is diagnosed with a life threatening illness
• Parent counselling regarding behaviour management and discipline
• Counselling and support for the child during the pre and post-divorce adjustment period, and parental guidance regarding the child’s needs
• Facilitation of coping skills in children
• Adult psychotherapy