In a rapidly changing world, children's mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic.
Psychotherapist Milena Dabetić, an expert with many years of experience in working with children and their families, for Contact Plus talks about the key aspects of recognizing emotional challenges in children, dealing with internet violence, the importance of family dynamics in the therapeutic process, positive experiences in working with children and young people, and reducing stigma related to therapy.
Recognizing changes in behavior
Speaking about the first symptoms that indicate the need for psychotherapy in children, Milena Dabetić emphasizes careful observation of changes in children's behavior. In this regard, a red flag is any sudden change in their behavior.
"Is it a loss of motivation." Success in school is also a big indicator, ie. change in school performance. A child who begins to avoid activities that he previously enjoyed and liked to do, poor impulse control or mood swings, then isolation, avoidance of the peer group. Changes in the rhythm of sleep, changes in the rhythm of eating, the appearance of some somatic complaints are, most often, some kind of indicator in children. Stomach problems in children, which they manifest when, for example, they should be exposed to a situation that is unpleasant for them. Poor performance in school, low self-confidence in children, manifestation of some kind of anxiety. Any of these indicators that last for a long time should be taken seriously," he warns.
The role of the family in the therapeutic process
Dabetić states that it is very important to include the whole family in the psychotherapy process when necessary.
"When problems are related to family dynamics, it is crucial to involve the whole family in order to create a supportive environment for the child," explains Dabetić and adds that changes in the family environment are often crucial for the lasting progress and well-being of the child.
Positive experiences in working with children
This psychotherapist states that children often react quickly and make progress in a therapeutic environment, and that it is easier to work with them.
"Children process quite quickly and respond very well to psychotherapy." It's a space where they feel safe, where they feel fully seen and heard, to express their feelings, and then not be judged for it. "Each of us reacts well to that," says Dabetić.
Reducing the stigma associated with psychotherapy
Dabetić is also of the opinion that the stigma associated with psychotherapy is decreasing.
"It is no longer taboo to take a child to therapy." I have not had the experience of children at school facing any stigma for coming to psychotherapy. Sometimes they even brag to someone that they are going to psychotherapy," stresses psychotherapist Milena Dabetić.
Listen in more detail in the new show Radio Kontakt Plus.
The show is part of the campaign "Children's safety, our responsibility!" which is realized by Domovik in cooperation with Kontakt Plus radio, and is supported by Save the Children of Kosovo.
The views expressed are the opinions of the interlocutors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Domovik and Save the Children Kosovo/o.
