Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
About
Children and young people can sometimes feel overwhelmed by strong emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or anger. This may show itself in withdrawal, difficulties at school or in friendships, or in behaviours that are hard to understand. Psychotherapy offers a confidential and supportive space in which these experiences can be explored and understood.
Through therapy, children and young people are supported to put feelings into words and to find ways of expressing themselves that feel safer and more manageable. As understanding develops, many experience improved confidence, stronger relationships with family and peers, and greater emotional resilience over time.
Therapy is adapted to the age and developmental stage of the young person. Younger children may use play or creative activities to communicate their experiences, while adolescents and young adults often engage more through conversation, reflection, and exploration of identity and relationships.
Who can benefit from Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy?
Child and adolescent psychotherapy can be helpful for children and young people who are experiencing emotional, behavioural, or relational difficulties that are affecting their wellbeing or daily life. This may include challenges with anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation, self-esteem, or coping with change.
Therapy can be particularly supportive for children and adolescents who are struggling at school, including school-based anxiety, avoidance, difficulties with concentration, or challenges with learning. It may also help young people who find peer relationships difficult, such as problems with friendships, social confidence, or feeling isolated or misunderstood.
Psychotherapy can be beneficial for children and young people with diagnoses such as autism spectrum conditions or ADHD, particularly where anxiety, emotional distress, social difficulties, or behavioural challenges are present alongside these diagnoses. Therapy provides a space to explore feelings and experiences in a way that is carefully adapted to the individual child or young person.
It may also be helpful for children and adolescents who are affected by family changes, loss, illness, or other stresses, or where concerns feel complex or hard to express. The aim of therapy is to help young people feel better understood, more settled, and more able to manage relationships and everyday challenges.
Our Approach
Beginning therapy is an important decision, and our approach is designed to ensure that the support offered is appropriate and carefully considered. The process begins with a free introductory phone call, providing an opportunity to discuss concerns and consider whether this service feels like the right fit.
If appropriate, this is followed by a 90-minute initial consultation to gain a fuller understanding of the child or young person’s background, current difficulties, and family context. This is followed by three assessment sessions with the child or young person, allowing them to engage at their own pace. Sessions are child-led and adapted to age and development.
A meeting with parents or carers then takes place to discuss impressions, recommendations, and next steps. This may include ongoing therapy or guidance towards alternative support where this is more appropriate. Our priority is to support families in finding the right care, with ongoing support offered where it is likely to be beneficial.
Contact us
Please do contact us for further information and to make an appointment. We look forward to working with you