Children do not always express emotional distress directly through words. It may instead appear in their behaviour, sleep, eating habits, school life, or relationships.
How can I tell if my child is struggling emotionally?
A sudden change in behaviour, withdrawal, unusual irritability, frequent crying, or a loss of interest in play, school or the people around them may deserve particular attention.
Seeing a psychoanalyst can provide an opportunity to consider the child as a whole, including their environment and any changes that may have taken place in their life, rather than immediately attributing their behaviour to a single cause.
Why does my child sometimes express distress through their behaviour?
Some children become quiet or withdrawn when they are experiencing difficulties. Others may become restless, aggressive, oppositional, or anxious.
These behaviours can sometimes be a way of expressing something that the child is not yet able to put into words.
However, it is important not to interpret every behaviour as a symptom. The child's age, development, circumstances and personal history all need to be taken into account.
What might a sudden change in my child's behaviour mean?
A change in behaviour may occur following a separation, a move, difficulties at school, bullying, or problems in relationships.
It may also occur during a period of change that is part of the child's normal development.
A consultation with a psychoanalyst can give the child an opportunity to explore what has changed in their environment and how they are experiencing that change.
Why doesn't my child want to go to school anymore?
School refusal can have many possible causes, including anxiety, bullying, relationship difficulties, learning difficulties, or emotional distress.
It is important to understand what, specifically, is making school difficult for your child.
Appropriate support may involve working with your child, their parents and, depending on the circumstances, the school or other professionals involved in their care.
How can I support a child who seems to be struggling without speaking for them?
Work with a child takes place within a framework appropriate to their age and stage of development.
Play, drawing, stories and conversation can all provide ways for a child to express experiences and feelings that may be difficult to put into words directly.
I always arrange an initial discussion with parents at the beginning of the process in order to understand the child's circumstances and the concerns that have led to the consultation.
I offer in-person consultations in Lyon for children aged 6 and over. In-person sessions are generally preferred, although online consultations may be considered in certain circumstances.
An initial meeting provides an opportunity to get to know each other, clarify your concerns and consider whether a psychoanalytic approach may be appropriate for your child.
Children and emotional distress: seeing a psychoanalyst in Lyon or via Teleconsultation