FAQ
FAQ for therapy, assessments, and parenting support in Noida.
Practical questions about the practice, plus parenting and child-development answers drawn from years of clinical guidance for families.
Practice
What people usually want to know first.
Who comes to this practice?
Adults, teenagers, children, couples, parents, families, and older adults. Organisations also get in touch for workshops and employee mental health support.
Can I meet online as well as in the clinic?
Yes. You can come to the Sector 122 clinic (CM24, opposite DPS 122, above Lenskart) or meet online. Workshops for companies and schools can be on-site or virtual.
How do I book?
The quickest way is Book Appointment on this website, which opens Dr. Renu Goyal’s Practo calendar so you can see live availability and confirm a clinic or video slot. You can also call or WhatsApp +91 9205 123 404, email drgoyal.renu@gmail.com, or use the enquiry form for workshops and organisational requests.
Will what I say stay private?
Yes. What you share in sessions is kept confidential, within the usual professional and legal limits that apply to clinical psychologists. You will be told if those limits ever matter for your situation.
What happens in the first session?
We get to know what brought you here, how long it has been going on, and what you hope will change. By the end, you should have a clearer sense of whether therapy, an assessment, or another step is right for you.
Do you do psychological assessments?
Yes. Depending on the question, that may include learning, attention, behaviour, emotion, or cognitive testing. Results are explained in everyday language, with practical suggestions for home, school, or work where needed.
Can organisations ask for workshops?
Yes. That can mean sessions for schools, teams, parents, teachers, or leaders—shaped around topics such as stress, resilience, parenting, or mental health awareness.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on what you are dealing with and how often we meet. Some people need a short stretch of focused work. Others prefer to continue longer. We review as we go so you are not left wondering whether it is still helping.
Do parents sit in with children or teenagers?
With younger children, parents are usually closely involved. With teenagers, we protect a reasonable amount of privacy while still including parents when it is helpful and agreed.
Which languages do you use?
Most sessions are in English or Hindi—whichever feels easier for you or your family to speak openly in.
Parenting & children
Questions families bring about behaviour, learning, and growing up.
Answers in plain English on stammering, school avoidance, screens, adolescence, discipline, and when to seek specialist help.
My 5-year-old daughter is lively and talkative at home, but outside she does not mix with anyone. What can we do?
This is very common. Give her a little time. She may simply be more sensitive than other children. Do not force too much socialising—some children are shy by nature and feel complete that way. Pushing hard can create stress. First understand whether this is her temperament or whether something is troubling her, then decide how to support her.
We recently moved from New Zealand. My nearly 4-year-old is new to the language and culture and barely talks at school. How can I help?
Most children begin to understand the new language within about 6–8 months. Practise the local language at home as much as you can, starting with simple words and sentences. Encourage every attempt to speak. Take him to the park to play with other children, and show a short cartoon or animation for about 20 minutes a day. Give it time—things usually settle.
My 3-year-old used to speak clearly, but for the past month he has started stammering. His grandfather stammered and later improved without treatment. Should we see a specialist?
Stammering can have several causes—birth injury, hearing difficulty, genetics, neurological factors, or emotional stress. From what you describe it may be genetic or linked to emotional factors, but that is hard to say clearly from a distance. It is wise to meet a speech therapist once to understand the cause and the right support.
My 4-year-old can speak in full sentences but does not answer when asked questions, even when she knows the answer. What should we do?
There can be several reasons: unclear speech that makes her hesitate in front of others, or shyness. Finding the real reason matters. If her speech is still unclear or forming sentences is hard, please take her to a speech therapist.
We moved from Kolkata to Delhi. Our 2-year-old, who mostly hears Bengali at home, stays alone at playschool and has started fearing school. How can we help?
If you will stay in Delhi and you and your partner speak Hindi, use Hindi at home as much as possible so he gradually understands it. Give him time to adjust. At age two, children often do not yet play or talk easily with peers—that skill usually grows after about age three. Stay patient and positive.
My 6-year-old loved playing in water, but lately she seems afraid of it. How can I help?
Talk with her gently and try to learn why—perhaps she was hurt in water, or saw someone else get hurt. Consider swimming classes; going with her can build confidence. Do not pressure her. Many such fears are temporary and ease with calm support over time.
My 7-year-old has become very stubborn and demands things immediately. What can we do?
Look for the root: is something at home reinforcing the behaviour, when did it start, and is he hungry or tired when it happens? Spend more time with him. Model the behaviour you want. Limit long stretches of TV or mobile games, which can reduce patience. Instead of saying “no” to everything, offer another option. If the problem continues, a child counsellor can help.
My baby will soon be 6 months old. I want him to love books later. What kind of books should I get?
Board books with colourful pictures work well. Some books play music; others are plastic or cloth books safe for bath time or mouthing. Building a reading habit early is a lovely goal.
Friends say children must be disciplined early, and that scolding or light hitting is fine so they fear adults. Is that right for a 2-year-old?
A child’s first school is the home, and they largely copy what they see. Discipline matters, but scolding and hitting do not teach it well. A child may obey today out of fear and learn to shout tomorrow—or withdraw and stop sharing feelings. Physical punishment is not the right method, especially at age two.
My 5-year-old niece cries over small things, avoids peers, fears the dark and some toys, and cries rather than admit mistakes—especially since her baby brother was born. Advice?
She may be more sensitive and emotional than other children, and changes often begin after a sibling arrives. Sometimes briefly ignoring the tears helps; often you need other approaches—calmly saying “no crying,” rewarding quieter moments, or offering a small bedtime reward for not crying. Also check regular nutritious food and protein, as physical weakness can increase irritability.
My bright 7-year-old does only what he likes and invents stories. He has started lying—not serious lies, but I worry it will become a habit. Is this a problem?
Children need your time and praise. Sometimes they invent stories to get attention. If the stories do not gain him any unfair advantage, they are not always “lying” in a harmful sense. Help him feel he does not need invented tales to reach you—drawing, painting, or helping with small household tasks can also win attention.
I am a working mother. My 4-year-old, now with the maid, spits on people and hits when she dislikes something. We sometimes hit her back. What should we do?
She may not be getting enough parental attention. Stop physical punishment—it usually makes things worse. Spend focused time with her when you are home: put the phone and laptop away and play. Grandparents’ support can also help her feel safer and better cared for.
My 15-month-old is very stubborn and cries until we pick him up. We cannot scold or punish him. How do I manage this?
At this age, wanting to be held is often a natural bid for reassurance that parents love him—especially if both parents work and reunion time is short. Be less harsh; he is a small child seeking security. Stubbornness and crying can also have physical causes—ask a doctor if needed. Spend more time playing with him. Parenting is a responsibility, but also a joy.
My clever, restless 2-year-old does not follow instructions, will not sit still, and grabs forbidden objects. Is this normal or hyperactivity?
Children are often more capable than we think. Set clear, consistent limits and stick to them so she learns what is allowed. At age two it is hard to diagnose hyperactivity—most toddlers have high energy and curiosity. Calm, consistent parenting helps reduce unwanted behaviour.
My sensible 4-year-old has sucked her lower lip for a year, especially while watching TV. I get irritated and sometimes hit her. What should I do?
Some habits feel soothing to a child. Instead of hitting or arguing, ignore the habit or gently redirect her attention. A traditional home tip is a bitter neem paste on the lips—unpleasant but not harmful—to discourage the habit.
My 12-year-old in boarding school falls asleep in class, mutters in sleep, and scores poorly. Is this a mental health problem? I feel embarrassed at school meetings.
Talk with teachers and the warden about when this started and whether the change was sudden. Find the root. If the issue is mainly academic and he is otherwise fine, a mental health professional can help. Separate your embarrassment from his needs—high expectations and visible disappointment can make a child feel guilty and less able to improve. Reassure him you are there to help.
My 14-year-old is obsessed with films and serials and collects celebrity photos. She studies well, but I keep shouting. What should I do?
Interest in stars and “looking cool” is common in adolescence. Force rarely works; treat her more like a friend and respect her growing maturity. If she is still doing well in studies, she may already be balancing interest and school. Combine clear family limits with warmth and steadiness.
My 9-year-old reads very slowly, confuses b and d, misreads words, and skips lines, though he is strong in maths and reasoning. Advice?
You are an observant parent. These signs can point to a reading difficulty such as dyslexia. A reading difficulty is not the same as low intelligence—many bright people have learning differences. Please see a psychologist or counsellor for proper assessment; specialised testing may be needed.
My 16-year-old chats online constantly and becomes low if she cannot. She studies well, but I fear board exams next year. How do I set limits?
She is old enough to understand balance. Make a timetable together and agree on about 30–40 minutes of chatting a day. If she refuses, keep the computer in a shared room. Be firm about study and chat rules, but keep your tone soft and use humour. If phone bills rise because of her use, she should know internet time may be cut.
My 17-year-old adopted daughter has a boyfriend. I threatened to stop her education and marry her off; she did not stop. Should I block college to teach her a lesson?
Treat her as your daughter, not “only” an adopted child. Many parents face adolescent dating conflicts—this is not unique to adoption. More restriction can increase anger. Talk about future responsibilities. Today’s young people think for themselves; authority alone rarely solves this. A psychologist can help you find better ways to handle the situation.
I am a working mother. My 5-year-old cries and behaves aggressively when I leave for work, even though I now spend more time with her. How can I help?
She may still feel the memory of your absence and use strong behaviour to keep you close. When you are together, talk a lot; explain that you love her and still need to go to work. Involve her while you cook or do chores and give her something to play with. Change takes time. Most of these problems ease with love, patience, and consistent routines.
My 14-year-old forgets every task and does not listen carefully, repeating the same mistakes. How can I help?
First understand the full picture. If this is new behaviour, find what changed. Forgetting and inattention often mean something else is on her mind. Talk kindly and look for what is worrying her. Adolescence brings a wish for more independence—be patient and more like a friend than only an authority. A counsellor or useful reading can support you.
My 14-year-old’s behaviour has become rude, stubborn, and self-centred with his sister; school results have dropped. Teachers say this is adolescence. Advice?
Teachers are right that personality shifts are common in adolescence. Stay sensitive and patient. Do not constantly scold. Set clear limits on rude behaviour and explain rather than only order. Respect his feelings even when you disagree. Praise good behaviour; ignore minor rudeness when you can. Offer help when he asks. Do not take every harsh word to heart, but do say when something hurt you.
My 12-year-old scrapes walls and eats paint. We gave calcium for two years thinking it was deficiency, but the habit continues. What now?
Many young children mouth non-food items out of curiosity. When the habit continues beyond that stage it may be pica. At age 12, please see a child mental health specialist for a full assessment to find the cause and the right treatment.
My lively 2-year-old is frightened by loud children, does not defend her toys, and stays away from peers. How do we help her be braver?
You may be worrying more than needed. Let her grow and learn in her own way how to handle toys and friends. Temperament differs; some children change with age. Help her when she asks, and also let her have some experiences herself. At this age many children prefer parents or older children who can look after them. Play with her; she is likely to join peers more as she grows.
I am a recently divorced father of a 2-year-old. My parents care for him in another city while I work. How do I parent from a distance?
It is good that grandparents are caring for him. Visit as often as you can and keep him happy. At this age he mainly needs food, care, play, and love—do not carry heavy future anxiety yet. Around age three you can look at a good preschool.
My otherwise sensible 3-year-old becomes aggressive with other children—snatching, hiding toys, hitting, and biting. What should I do?
He may not yet know how to play or express feelings well, and may think aggression draws attention. Spend more time with him and teach kinder ways to play. Notice when and why the behaviour happens. If it continues after a few months, consult a mental health professional.
My 3-year-old cannot sit still at school and struggles with drawing and sticking activities. Is this hyperactivity?
Many preschoolers—especially boys—find it hard to sit still, and some schools are not set up for lively children. Age three is young; many children are still adjusting to school. If he seems much more restless than peers, plan at least an hour of energetic activity before school—running, jumping, or a few park laps—so he can settle better into quieter tasks.
My 7-year-old becomes jealous and angry when I praise or call another child. How do I change this?
Jealousy when parents attend to another child is natural and often fades with age; it is sharper with siblings. Explain that you love her and also like other children, and that aggressive behaviour will not be allowed. Ignore the jealous outburst when it happens, and praise her when she manages without envy or anger.
My 13-year-old eats a lot without feeling satisfied, weighs about 80 kg, is lazy, uninterested in studies, and speaks rudely. How can we help?
First rule out medical causes such as thyroid or digestive problems. Adolescence brings fast physical and emotional change and can be hard for the whole family. Stress can also drive overeating for comfort. Stay calm; give concrete suggestions rather than only criticism. Encourage enjoyable exercise—join her if you can. The school counsellor can also help.
My 5-year-old still speaks only a few words. Elders say it will sort itself out. Should I worry?
Do not panic—most problems have solutions—but do not wait too long. Research suggests that by about age three children usually join 3–4 words into sentences. If at five he still cannot make short sentences and has a very small vocabulary, see a speech therapist soon.
One of my twin girls in KG writes 3–4 letter words easily; the other confuses letters like b/d and p/q and writes inconsistently. Is there a problem?
Comparing children is not ideal because development differs, but the signs you describe deserve attention. Please have her assessed promptly by a child psychologist.
My 8-year-old is always on mobile games and losing interest in studies. How do I break the habit?
Children do not start with phones on their own—they copy us or we hand devices over for convenience. If you want less screen time, you and your partner must use phones less when he is with you. Offer puzzles, stories, and play together instead. If it still does not improve, a counsellor can help.
My 5-year-old prefers his left hand for everything, including writing, and reverses letters. Relatives blame me. Help?
Never force a child to use one hand. Hand preference relates to brain organisation—let him choose. Build his confidence and give enough practice time. If difficulties continue, see a mental health professional.
My 9-year-old takes long to wake and invents excuses to avoid school; even when he goes, he cannot focus. What can we do?
Avoidance can come from incomplete sleep, school problems, or not understanding lessons. Find the real reason and address it. If it continues, consult a nearby counsellor or psychologist.
My 15-year-old studies well but becomes low before exams and eats and sleeps less. Is this normal? How can we help?
Parents sometimes unknowingly create a “curfew” atmosphere before exams; their anxiety shows in the home and affects the child. Keep the house calm and positive. Emphasise food, sleep, and the idea that exams are part of life—do your best, then do not obsess. Share your own experiences and, if useful, teach relaxation with a counsellor’s help.
My 18-month-old still cannot sit or walk independently. Should I wait or see a doctor?
Children usually sit by about 6–8 months and walk by about 12–15 months. If there is more delay than that, see a paediatrician promptly so any difficulty can be assessed and helped early.
My 2½-year-old nephew still does not speak—not even “mummy” or “papa.” The doctor was unclear. What should we do?
There can be many reasons; a speech therapist can help identify them. At home, speak slowly so he can watch lip movements, repeat simple names, read picture books together, limit TV and mobile, and talk and play with him a lot.
My 12-year-old daughter cannot concentrate on studies and forgets what she learns; she also refuses other activities. Exams are near. What can I do?
Study at a fixed time. Review topics again after 1, 2, 5, 7, 15, and 30 days. Write key words for answers. Ask her to teach you what she studied. Weekend group study with classmates can help. Allow play, but keep TV, laptop, and mobile limited. If nothing improves, seek a psychologist’s help.
I am going through a divorce. My 14-year-old daughter is irritable, withdrawn from studies, and snaps when I try to talk. I love her—what should I do?
She is in a very hard season—harder for her than for you in some ways—and adolescence adds hormonal change. Set your own worries aside for stretches of time and simply be with her: play, go out, have fun. Do not discuss her father in those moments. If things do not ease, see a mental health professional together.
My academically strong 10-year-old bosses, hits, and teases other children. How do I help him grow into a kind person?
First notice whether someone at home models the same dominating style—children often copy what they see. Address that at home. Explain how hurting others leaves lasting pain. If needed, involve a counsellor and consider behaviour therapy.
My intelligent 8-year-old has become argumentative and stubborn, and his focus on studies is slipping. How do we get him back on track?
Routines help children work and rest well. After school give about an hour to play or rest, then fix 1–1.5 hours of study in short blocks (for example 20 minutes study, 5 minutes break). Explain clearly that the family follows a routine. Reward completed work with a star system and a small treat after about ten stars. Stay loving and patient—he will learn to follow the rhythm.
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