Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Encopresis is when a child over the age of four regularly passes bowel movements in places other than the toilet—often in their underwear—and may not even be aware it’s happening. It’s most commonly caused by chronic constipation but t can also be linked to stress, anxiety, or toilet training difficulties. It’s not a behavioural issue or defiance—kids aren’t doing it on purpose. Treatment for child encopresis usually involves clearing out the bowel under medical guidance, setting up a regular toilet routine, and getting support from a psychologist to address any emotional or behavioural concerns.
If encopresis is affecting your child’s well-being, professional support can help them get back on track with healthy toilet habits and confidence.
Often daily, and the child may not realise it's happened.
Such as squatting, leg crossing, or refusing to go to the toilet.
When the child does go, it may be a very large stool.
Especially if constipation is involved.
Some kids become anxious about using the toilet or have had painful past experiences.
Can occur if there's a significant stool build-up.
Particularly if the child is aware of the soiling or being teased.
That may be mistaken for diarrhoea, but is actually overflow from impacted stool.
Around 3% of school-aged kids experience encopresis, but many go undiagnosed
In Australia, chronic constipation is the leading cause of encopresis
Encopresis is more common in boys than girls
Early treatment for child encopresis leads to better outcomes
When it comes to treatment for child encopresis, research highlights the importance of a structured, multi-step approach that combines medical, behavioural, and psychological support. It’s not just about clearing out the bowel – helping a child feel confident and in control of their body again often means working through the emotional side of things, too.
The first step is usually to remove any impacted stool in the bowel. This is typically done using medications like polyethylene glycol (PEG), mineral oil, or stimulant laxatives – always under a doctor’s guidance. This step is important because it gives the child a “clean slate” to start regular toileting without pain or leakage.
Once the bowel is cleared, the focus shifts to maintaining soft, regular bowel movements. This includes staying on a gentle laxative for a while, encouraging good hydration, and promoting a balanced diet rich in natural fibre. However, the research shows that fibre supplements and probiotics haven’t proven to be consistently effective, so the focus stays on practical day-to-day changes and healthy routines.
This is where psychologists often play a key role. Research shows that psychological therapy can make a big difference in the treatment for child encopresis, particularly when anxiety, shame, or toileting avoidance are part of the picture.
Evidence supports the use of:
Scheduled toilet sits, especially after meals (when the body’s natural signals are strongest)
Positive reinforcement, like reward charts or praise for trying
Bowel diaries to help track progress and patterns
Parental guidance around staying calm and supportive, rather than punitive
When emotional stress or behavioural resistance is a factor—as it often is—psychologists can help children and families work through fears, develop more helpful thinking patterns, and rebuild a sense of control and confidence.
In rare cases where symptoms don’t improve, even after consistent treatment, further medical options may be explored. These might include pelvic floor biofeedback, botulinum toxin injections, or surgical interventions, though these are typically only considered when everything else has been tried.
Research is clear: the most effective treatment for child encopresis combines medical support with behavioural strategies and, where needed, emotional and psychological care. At MindBox Psychology, our clinicians are here to help children not only get back into a healthy toilet routine but also rebuild confidence, reduce shame, and support parents every step of the way.
*Source: Encopresis – National Library of Medicine | StatPearls
Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for 5–10 minutes after meals, when their body is naturally ready to go.
Avoid pressure or punishment—gentle encouragement and rewards go a long way in helping kids feel safe and confident.
Keep an eye out for squatting, fidgeting, or avoiding the toilet—these might be signs your child is holding it in.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Behavioural Interventions, to provide tailored support for children struggling with encopresis (soiling), helping them build healthy toileting habits and reduce distress.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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