Medical and Health Psychology
Medical Trauma, Health Anxiety, and Phobias
Sometimes kids can develop fears related to medical treatment or procedures. Behavioral issues can also get in the way of children’s health routines.
This may be precipitated by a traumatic hospital stay or a scary medical experience (e.g., routine vaccinations that did not go as well has planned). This may result in increased fear and avoidance for future procedures.
Similar to phobias and many other types of anxiety, medical anxiety is treated through exposure therapy, a cognitive behavioral technique that effectively reduces symptoms, making it easier to engage in the previously feared tasks. Dr. McDougall has specialized training and experience in treating medical trauma, medical anxiety, and medical phobias to gently help you and your child more easily engage in medical care.
Sleep Difficulties in Children and Teens
Health psychology treatments can help children with sleep concerns.
In young children, common sleep-related problems may include having trouble sleep on their own due to being scared or unwilling to be apart from you. In older children and teens, worry thoughts and rumination can make it difficult for them to fall asleep. Regardless of age or specific sleep-related concern, Dig Deep Psychology has resources and tools to help you and your child sleep better.