Infant Psychologist | Children Aged 0-5

Infant Psychologist for children aged 0-5

At Little Minds Psychology I understand that the early years of a child's life are important for their development. With this in mind I offer specialised support for parents of children aged 0-5, focusing on understanding and nurturing the complex relationship between a child's brain, behaviour, and relationships. Research has shown that children's brains are strongly influenced by their relationships, connections, and experiences during early years. These experiences shape the brain's structure and chemistry, impacting everything from behaviour and emotions to coping mechanisms and relationships later in life.

I believe in taking a systemic or family approach when working with young children. By collaborating closely with parents or the child's support system and utilising parent-infant psychotherapy, I can identify and address underlying issues, leading to more sustainable change. Parents are best positioned to understand their child's needs and continue supporting them, that's why I aim to provide parents with the tools, techniques, and understanding they need to shape and adapt their responses to their child's unique needs to help them find their way together.

As an infant psychologist, my services cover a wide range of issues commonly faced by parents of young children, including:

Meltdowns and emotional dysregulation: I understand the challenges of managing meltdowns and emotional dysregulation in young children. My tailored approach aims to help both parents understand the big feelings children experience and develop strategies to help them to regulate emotions more effectively.
Sleep struggles: Sleep is vital for a child's development, and sleep struggles can impact the whole family. I can offer support and guidance to address sleep issues and establish healthy bedtime routines.
Excessive crying: Excessive crying can be distressing for both parents and children. I aim to offer strategies to soothe crying infants and identify any underlying causes contributing to the excessive crying.
Behavioural concerns: Whether it's challenges at home or in nursery/school settings, I’m here to help provide a better understanding of the function of this behaviour and develop effective strategies to manage this behaviour and promote positive social interactions.
Toilet training issues: Toilet training can be a stressful milestone for both parents and children. My guidance and support can help parents to navigate toilet training challenges, making the process smoother and less daunting for everyone.
Separation anxiety: Separation anxiety is a common issue for young children and their parents. I can offer practical strategies and emotional support to help children feel more secure during separations.
Bonding and relationship issues: Building strong bonds and healthy relationships is essential for a child's development. My specialised interventions focus on strengthening the parent-child bond and resolving any issues affecting family relationships.
Concerns related to ASD/ADHD: Whether of not your child has received a diagnosis of autism or ADHD, if you have concerns about your child's attention or behaviour, I can offer support for ASD/ADHD related struggles. I work collaboratively with families to develop strategies to manage struggles and support the child's success at home and in educational settings.
Selective mutism support: My specialised services provide tailored assistance for children facing selective mutism, encouraging communication skills and social confidence while easing anxiety.
Sensory sensitivity guidance: I can offer expert support for children experiencing sensory sensitivities, empowering parents with strategies to manage sensory challenges and boost engagement.

If you're ready to take the first step towards a happier, healthier family dynamic, get in touch with me today. Together, we can lay the foundation for a brighter future for you and your child.