Since COVID-19, mental health difficulties in children have increased 35% in the UK, and there is a shortage of child psychologists. Instead of face-to-face therapy for a child, which can be hard to access, indirect Parent Consultations are effective and have many benefits and can also take place online.

For small children, and those displaying behavioural issues, psychological interventions are often more effective through the parents, carers or adults in the system, environment, or context including school.

Often sessions can be brief, supportive, solution-focused and time-limited. There can be whole-family benefits. I’ve seen in my practice that, often, even a single Parent Consultation can be effective. Research shows that parents reported being less stressed and more capable of managing behaviour that challenged others following a single-session consultation.

PARENT CONS is an acronym for the topics which may be helpful to discuss. Take a look at our article here, map out your family tree or sources of support on a piece of paper and bring them to your first parents’ consultation.

Remember, although you may expect your child to talk to their therapist alone, progress may be much more rapid with your involvement indirectly, or as a “co-therapist” in the session – or for part of the session – as well.