Children’s Voice Psychology focuses on child centred and child inclusive approaches throughout the evaluation process. As a developmental psychologist, I have a sound knowledge of developmental theories and expertise in child assessment and interview techniques that focus specifically on eliciting the voice of the child.
A developmental psychologist has the training to engage in practices and techniques that are the most effective way to integrate the voice of the child into the process. ‘Listening’ to children does not necessarily mean taking what children say at face value, but it does mean observing the nuances of how they exhibit stress; anxiety or pleasure in a manner that corresponds to their maturity and developmental stage.
In the context of family research literature, many argue that while parental divorce may not necessarily have more negative effects on children of a particular age, differential effects can be seen at different developmental stages. My specialised training and experience has afforded me with an excellent skill base to administer, integrate and interpret multiple sources of data within a developmental framework.
A comprehensive report is prepared based on information gathered and integrated from multiple sources-depending on the complexity of the individual case, this may include:
• interviews; observations of each parent with the child;
• observations of other family members (or significant others) with the child;
• psychological assessment;
• collateral interviews, if required.
