7 year old having problems with depression and separation anxiety

(I

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

In the absence of Part B, I'll offer a suggestion. It might be beneficial to have a guardian ad litem appointed to assess the situation and make a recommendation to the probate court about how the visitation should proceed. Another option would be to obtain a consult with a pediatric mental health professional who is seasoned around divorce/custody matters, and discuss the situation.

[Adey]

Part B:
I reassured my daughter that I would change the visitation so that it was in our city (we live 30 miles or so away) with only her father. This was fine with her UNTIL her father started to use the

[Adey]

p.s. Our first visit with the psychologist is today, how can I get my daugher to be open and honest? Also should I tell the Doctor about these things in front of my daughter, or should I make it a point to have her out of the room?
Any and all advice or opinions are welcome :o)

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Now that I see Part B, the appointment of a guardian ad litem might indeed make sense. And it is OK, if the psychologist approves, to put the information on the table with you and your daughter present. The psychologist, of course, will have the opportunity to speak with your daughter alone. You cannot make your daughter open up. Simply be encouraging and supportive, provide the psychologist with good information, and then leave it up to them.

[kcakrk]

A related discussion, Seperation Anxiety & Depression was started.