Toilet Training Difficulties

Toilet Training Difficulties

• Rebecca Gilmour is an experienced psychologist in the area of toilet training difficulties and particularly anxiety regarding pooing in the toilet.  Many of her little clients fondly refer to her as “the poo and wee dr”(although she is not a doctor).

• She works directly with the parent/s regarding the issue and also in most circumstances the child, unless they are very young (i.e. > 2yrs or not at talking age).

• She generally sets parent/s up with a plan for encouraging toilet use with their child and strategies for dealing with the behavioural issues that can develop.

• She works directly with the child, engaging and motivating them to try to use the toilet effectively.  If the child is experiencing anxiety around toilet training and usually in particular defecating in the toilet, Rebecca works empathetically through encouraging “practice wees/poos” (gradual exposure to the toilet) at regular intervals.

• An initial appointment with both parent and child is made which takes approximately one hour. In that time, Rebecca will need to gather a detailed history from the parent, so it is strongly recommended that another adult is present to mind the child/ren. Otherwise, it is difficult for the parent to speak freely and concentrate on what they need to do and they may not receive the service they require.

• After Rebecca has spent some time building rapport with the child and broaching the topic of toileting (usually through stories), she sets the child up with what they need to do and together Rebecca and the child then inform the parent/s.

• Usually a week after seeing the family, Rebecca requests that parent/s email her with a diary of how the plan is going and any concerns the parent/s may have. She then responds by email, or phone if necessary.

• Quite often with many cases it takes only a few weeks of emailing back and forth and perhaps one other follow up consultation before the child is having success and making progress and the family is harmonious again!!!

• Families with private health cover may be entitled to a rebate (they need to check with their individual provider).

• OR they may also be able to claim through Medicare, depending on the severity of the issue (i.e. a child with a phobia of toilets or anxiety about doing poo on the toilet) if they have a referral from their GP for a mental health plan item 2710.