Child and Adolescent Services (8-18 years)

Child and Adolescent Services (8-18 years)

Child & Adolescent Psychological Services

Enabling Your Children Aged 6 to 18 to Unlock Their Optimal Potential

As parents, we constantly want the best for our children. However, the saying goes, “Children do not come with any instruction manual.” Our adolescent and child psychologists and therapists aim to provide caregivers and parents with professional support in raising and assisting their children in overcoming life’s struggles.

ImPossible Psychological Services is home to some of the most experienced adolescent and child behaviour psychologists in Singapore, who are also dedicated to helping every child and adolescent reach their optimal potential in achieving a rewarding and fulfilling life.

We recognise and understand the many struggles and challenges that families face daily. Hence, to achieve the best outcomes, we take a holistic approach by working collaboratively with the child’s or adolescent’s teachers, parents, and other caregivers in their life. By working together, we create therapy solutions and strategies that are specifically tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Symptoms of mental health issues in children and adolescents

Recognising when your child might need psychological support is crucial. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate the need for a child psychologist or therapist:

  • Emotional Distress: Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings.
  • Behavioural Changes: Sudden shifts in behaviour, such as aggression, withdrawal, or drastic changes in academic performance.
  • Social Issues: Difficulty making or keeping friends, social withdrawal, or being bullied.
  • Physical Symptoms: Unexplained headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints without a medical cause.
  • Disciplinary Issues: Frequent trouble at school or home due to non-compliance or rule-breaking.

Causes of mental health issues in children and adolescents

Understanding the underlying causes of these symptoms is essential for effective intervention. Common causes of mental health issues in children and adolescents include:

  • Genetics: Family history of mental health issues can play a role.
  • Environmental Factors: Stressful or traumatic experiences such as divorce, death of a loved one, or bullying.
  • Developmental Issues: Conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or autism spectrum disorders.
  • Social Factors: Peer pressure, social isolation, or conflicts with friends or family members.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis or understanding the challenges faced by the child or adolescent is the first step toward effective intervention. Our team of child behaviour psychologists in Singapore use comprehensive assessments to identify the root causes of your child’s struggles:

  • Psycho-Educational Evaluations: Assess your child's cognitive and academic skills.
  • Behavioural Assessments: Observe and evaluate your child's behaviour in various settings.
  • Developmental Assessments: Identify any developmental delays or disorders.

Why is children and adolescent psychology critical?

As an individual matures, they navigate several developmental stages that can be easily influenced by environmental, cultural, and genetic factors. Understanding child and adolescent psychology are crucial, especially during their younger years. It helps parents and other key caregivers gain deeper insights into what drives their children, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to better support their growth and development.

This is where adolescent and child psychiatrists and therapists play a crucial role. They not only help parents develop essential skills, but also identify psychological issues, such as hyperactivity, dyslexia, and ADHD, at an early stage. Early detection allows for timely prevention, accurate diagnosis, thorough evaluation, and effective intervention of the psychological issues.

Intervention options

We offer a range of evidence-based intervention options tailored to meet the specific needs of each child:

  1. One-to-One Counselling

Our child therapists provide individual therapy sessions in Singapore to help children work through their issues in a safe and supportive environment. Child therapists are skilled at engaging children in ways that make them feel comfortable and understood.

  1. Family Counselling

Our child behaviour psychologists work with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create a supportive home environment.

  1. Parenting Skills Training

We offer training for parents to equip them with effective strategies to support their children’s development and well-being.

How can we help?

Our team of adolescent and child behaviour psychologists and therapists are experienced in providing evidence-based therapies, psycho-educational evaluations, and comprehensive diagnostics in Singapore.

They are experienced in managing the following growing-up concerns:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Disciplinary issues
  • Social and interpersonal skills
  • Effective parenting
  • Coping with family conflicts
  • Bullying
  • Behaviour issues
  • Sex-related issues
  • ADHD
  • Addictions
  • Grief and loss
  • Motivation and academic challenges
  • Separation anxiety
  • Eating and body image disorders
  • Emotional regulations

Why Choose Us?

Focused Approach

At ImPossible Psychological Services, we employ a whole-person approach that involves multidisciplinary contributions and developing individualised therapies to address specific needs.

Experienced Team

Our team of child behaviour psychologists and therapists employ a variety of diverse therapeutic approaches to help many families in Singapore navigate and overcome life’s challenges.

Safe Environment

We are committed to providing an open, secure, and safe environment for you and your loved ones to go through therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I determine if my child needs therapy or evaluation?

    It is important to pay attention to changes in your child’s behaviour, emotions, and functioning. Signs that may indicate the need for a child therapist include sudden and significant shifts in behaviour, withdrawal from family and friends, declining school performance, or persistent emotional distress. If you are unsure, it is advisable to consult with a child psychologist in Singapore who can assess your child’s specific needs and recommend the appropriate course of action. This assessment is a standard part of beginning therapy to ensure the right support is provided.

  • How long does a typical therapy session last, and how often are the sessions scheduled?

    The duration of a therapy session and its frequency can vary depending on your child’s age and the specific issues being addressed. Typically, sessions last around 45 minutes to an hour. Initially, sessions might be scheduled more frequently, such as weekly or bi-weekly, and as progress is made, they may become less frequent. Your child’s therapist will work with you to establish a suitable schedule that aligns with their needs.

  • Can I be involved in the sessions with my child, and to what extent?

    Yes, your involvement in your child’s therapy can be valuable. The extent of your involvement depends on factors such as your child’s age and the nature of their concerns. In many cases, parents are encouraged to participate in some sessions to gain insight into their child’s progress and learn effective strategies to support them outside of therapy. The child psychologist will collaborate with you to determine the best level of involvement for your child’s specific situation.

  • What can I expect for my child’s first therapy appointment?

    During your child’s first therapy appointment, the psychologist will focus on building rapport and gathering essential information. You and your child will have the opportunity to share concerns and goals. The child psychologist will ask questions about your child’s history, emotions, and behaviours to better understand their needs. It is also a chance for your child to become familiar with the therapist and the therapy environment.

  • Will my child require medication as part of the psychotherapy?

    Medication is not always necessary. Child psychologists in Singapore primarily use talk therapy and behavioural strategies. Medication, if needed, is usually prescribed by a psychiatrist. The psychologist will discuss with the parents first to understand your views about getting psychiatric medication to support your child.

  • What are the signs I should look out for to see if therapy is helping my child?

    Signs that therapy is helping your child may include improved mood, behaviour and functioning. You may notice your child is better equipped to manage emotions, communicate more effectively, and engage positively with family and friends. Enhanced school performance and more stable relationships can also indicate progress. It is important to discuss your observations with your child therapist to ensure that therapy remains on track.

  • How can I support my child during and after therapy?

    Supporting your child during therapy involves creating a nurturing and understanding home environment. Encourage your child to practise the skills and strategies learned in therapy. Maintain open and empathetic communication with your child, and be patient as they work through challenges. After therapy, continue to monitor their progress and provide ongoing emotional support as needed.

  • What if my child doesn’t seem to connect with the psychologist or therapist, or isn’t benefiting from therapy?

    If your child doesn’t seem to connect with the psychologist or isn’t experiencing the impacted benefits from therapy, it is essential to communicate your concerns with the therapist. Sometimes, finding the right fit can take time. Your child psychologist can explore alternative approaches or consider referring you to another professional who may be better suited to your child’s needs.