Clinical psychologists Georgia Rose (left) and Doneisha Burke. - Contributed

What do you do if your son is studying hard but is taking a long time to complete his work, and is still getting poor grades? Or if your daughter has become an introvert, unable to keep up with her peers, and doesn't even want to go to school? Perhaps you have a child who is being bullied, or is being the aggressor? Between their teachers and yourselves, you've noticed that things are getting worse but you don't know why.

For many, admitting learning difficulties and poor behavioural issues is not easy. Unfortunately, in Jamaica, negative connotations have been attached to psychotherapy. As a result, those who are grief-stricken by the loss of a parent or a child, or who are unable to deal with their emotions are unlikely to seek assistance.

Clinical psychologists Doneisha Burke and Georgia Rose have set up JumpStart Psycho-Educational and Therapeutic Services, a clinical and consulting practice that is geared towards satisfying the psychological and educational needs of individuals, in particular children and adolescents. There are locations in Kingston and Montego Bay, each run by these two intelligent and caring women whose mantra is, 'A step in the right direction', and whose philosophy is, 'Early intervention is best'. However, says Burke, "It is never too late to deal with anything."

Assessment

So what exactly can JumpStart do for you and your family?

The parent(s) and child meet with the clinical psychologist who, over several days, will assess what she's told by the family and what she witnesses. She'll suggest that separate times with her are arranged for the kid, and the parents. She'll be clear about honouring confidentiality, but that the child must recognise that there are certain things which must be related back to the parents.

This is especially important with teenagers who could be hesitant to tell anyone how they are feeling. If you're the parent, "Be honest about what you're doing, persuade them, and lay it out on the table in a non-threatening and non-accusation way. Don't say something is wrong." Burke suggests saying: "I've observed that you used to do this, but now it's different. Let's go and talk to someone independently." The psychologist's job is to set out the parameters in the first meeting and maintain trust with all parties.

Trustworthy

When dealing with a very young child, care must be taken with how the psychologist talks to him or her. Play is a good way of communicating with a child. Parents might be skeptical about leaving their child alone with a stranger, but Burke and Rose strive to ensure that the parents can trust them, and they are masters at putting people at ease. They'll explain what they'll be doing and saying to the child. Once a child is around eight years old, they will abandon games and ask direct questions.

With the parents' permission, the psychologist will speak with some of the child's teachers, particularly if any had been the ones to notice and inform the parents of an issue.

Diagnostic tests

Next, the psychologist will produce a report, stating what diagnostic tests need to be done. These evaluations look at and test fine and gross motor skills, visual and special abilities, reflexes and senses. Once they have diagnosed what is wrong, they'll tell the parents. However, they strongly recommend that emphasis is not put on the labelling of the problem.

Helping a child is a collaborative effort involving the parents, teachers and services such as psychotherapy and those offered by occupational, speech and language therapists. It is imperative that the child's needs are attended to immediately. "There are implications if you ignore a child's problem. They will go on to have difficulties in social development, and it could prevent him or her from accessing higher education, getting a job, as well as affect his/her self-esteem and body image," Burke says.

All this information might be a lot to take in, but for those of you who have been suspecting that an issue exists, I am hoping that you're breathing a sigh of relief right now. There are people who can help you! I implore you to take your concerns serious, and at least make the call. You could be well on your way to jump-starting solutions that will help your child.

Emmadaltonbrown@gmail.com.If you'd like to contact JumpStart Psycho-Educational and Therapeutic Services - Kingston or Montego Bay - call Doneisha Burke or Georgia Rose, associate clinical psychologists, tel. 885-3049, 379-5940.email: jumpstart.ja@gmail.com