This talk is a general guide to therapists and health professionals who work therapeutically with children. It includes some of the key concepts of child assessment and intervention. Part of the content rests on a psychodynamic theoretical base, but the talk also includes elements of recent, updated, evidence-based research that informs theory and practice. The search for the meaning behind the symptoms is explored, as well as children's use of defence mechanisms. Working with parents and the therapeutic alliance are discussed as essential to child psychotherapy. Examples of child mental health problems discussed in the talk include neurodiversity, autistic spectrum disorder and aggressive behaviour in children.
The constantly changing nature of development with regards to childhood and also to theory and practice is an important theme in this talk. Navigating the different theoretical paradigms and finding one's way as a clinician or therapist can be confusing. This talk emphasises the value of sometimes looking outside of one's own chosen theoretical framework, towards other paradigms, explanatory models and ideas that could be useful in understanding and addressing a child's difficulties.
Calabash · South Africa