If your grown-up has told you that you’re coming to see us at The Kindred Practice, you might be feeling a bit nervous or confused. We wanted to say “Hi” and let you know we’re really looking forward to meeting you. We also wanted to let you know some stuff first and try to answer some of the questions we get asked all the time.
Not every family is the same, so instead of talking about ‘mums’ and ‘dads’, we’ll talk about your ‘grown-up’. This is the adult who you trust and who takes care of you.
You can read this on your own or you can read it with your grown-up.
Here are some of the questions we get asked all the time:
A psychologist is someone who helps people when life gets tricky. We try to figure out what’s going on and then team up with you (and your family) to make life get a bit easier.
The biggest reason kids come to see us is because they’ve gotten stuck and need some help. Maybe you’ve been feeling really sad or scared. Maybe it’s been really hard getting along with other kids. Maybe some big stuff has happened, like your family has changed.
This happens to lots of us and sometimes we just need some help figuring out what to do.
Lots of kids around your age come to see us, so we know heaps about how to help.
Sometimes just talking and having someone listen can make us feel better.
We know that you probably hate making your grown-up worry, so maybe you’ve been keeping some stuff to yourself? Talking to someone who isn’t in your family can sometimes be easier.
We teach kids how to cope with emotions and solve problems.
We also help kids spot all the things about them that are awesome. Sometimes we forget all that stuff when we’ve gotten a bit stuck.
We also might help your grown-up because there’s probably some new stuff they can learn too.
The first time we meet we will probably play some games and have a chat. Your grown-up can stay in the room or they can wait outside – you’re the boss!
We’ll ask you some questions so we can start getting to know you. You don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to.
We’ll come up with a plan together and then get started with solving some problems.
It’s ok! Almost everyone feels a bit nervous but:
- Our feelings can’t hurt us.
- Feelings always get smaller.
- We’re really good at helping kids build up their brave muscles, and we’d love to show you how!
This is a super-important question. We have to keep everything you tell us private.
That means even if your grown-up asks us, we are not allowed to tell them anything you’ve told us.
The only reason we can break this rule is if we are worried about whether you or someone else is safe. Then we’ll talk to either your grown-up or someone else (like your doctor) to make sure everyone stays safe.
Here are some of the faces you might see at our place
Only one of these people will be your person – and your grown-up can point out which one. But you might see the rest of the team when you’re walking through the offices.
Andrew
Kellie
Lauren
