A Day In The Life Of A Child Psychologist

Summary

Vanessa, a child psychologist at NUH, specializes in treating patients aged 8 to 18 with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma. She conducts initial assessments, including interviews and psychometric assessments, and employs an eclectic approach to therapy, such as schema therapy. Vanessa also designs and implements group therapies, supports families, and works with a multi-disciplinary team. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and professional growth, sharing a memorable case of an adolescent's progress and the significance of attunement in therapy.

Takeaways

• 👩‍⚕️ Vanessa is a child psychologist at NUH, specializing in treating patients aged 8 to 18 with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and trauma.
• 🏥 Younger patients under eight are seen by therapists at the child developmental unit, indicating a structured approach to age-appropriate care.
• 🌟 Vanessa's work includes both outpatient consultations and inpatient sessions, highlighting the comprehensive nature of her role.
• 📝 She conducts initial assessments that involve in-depth interviews, psychometric assessments, and discussions with parents to understand the patient's developmental history.
• 🔍 Vanessa uses an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from various theoretical orientations and techniques to meet the unique needs of each patient.
• 🧠 She employs schema therapy to address unmet needs and help patients develop healthier behavioral patterns.
• 📈 Vanessa focuses on the 'Here and Now' emotions during sessions, using grounding exercises to help patients process strong feelings.
• 📋 Post-session, she documents changes, progress, and work done, which is crucial for tracking patient development and adjusting treatment plans.
• 👨‍⚕️ She collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team, including pediatricians, to provide comprehensive care and triage psychosocial services.
• 🌱 Vanessa's work involves designing and implementing group therapies, such as the family-centered CARE program, which supports families of children with chronic illnesses.
• 🌐 NUH supports continuous professional development, offering opportunities for upskilling, learning new therapeutic approaches, and even overseas training for its staff.

Q & A

What is Vanessa's profession and where does she work?

Vanessa is a child psychologist working at NUH (National University Hospital).

What is the age range of patients Vanessa typically sees?

Vanessa sees patients ranging from 8 to 18 years old with mental health conditions.

What kinds of mental health issues do Vanessa's patients present with?

Her patients may present with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, trauma, and difficulties accepting chronic illnesses.

How does Vanessa's work with patients under eight years old differ?

Younger patients under eight years old are seen by three therapists or the team at the child developmental unit.

What are the different settings where Vanessa sees her patients?

Vanessa sees patients in outpatient consultations, ward rounds, group therapies, and also does administrative work when needed.

What is the approach Vanessa uses in therapy?

Vanessa uses an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing on various theoretical orientations and techniques to suit the patient's needs.

Can you describe the schema therapy that Vanessa mentioned?

Schema therapy is used by Vanessa to address the unmet needs of the patient and help them develop healthier alternatives to their deep-seated patterns of behavior.

What does Vanessa do after finishing sessions with her patients?

After sessions, Vanessa documents any changes in conceptualization, progress, and the work done during the session.

How often does Vanessa visit the ward for inpatient sessions?

Vanessa visits the ward for inpatient sessions three days a week.

What is the family-centered CARE program Vanessa mentioned?

The family-centered CARE program is designed to support the families of children with chronic illnesses, providing mental health support for the caregivers.

How does Vanessa's workplace support her professional growth?

NUH supports Vanessa and her colleagues to upskill themselves, learn new therapy approaches, diagnostic tools, and even provides funding for overseas courses.

What is Vanessa's view on work-life balance in her profession?

Vanessa believes in the importance of self-care for a therapist to have a long and meaningful career, and she maintains a work-life balance by not working on weekends and finishing work on time.

What was a memorable experience Vanessa had with a patient?

A memorable experience for Vanessa was with an adolescent struggling with traumatic experiences who, upon discharge, tearfully expressed that she would miss their therapy sessions.