Child and Teen Therapy

Behaviour is communication.

Children and teenagers don't always have the words to explain what they're thinking or feeling, so those feelings often show up through their behaviour instead. Anger, withdrawal, defiance, clinginess, perfectionism or anxiety are rarely the problem themselves. More often, they're signals that something deeper needs understanding.

Together, we'll become curious about what those behaviours might be telling us. That may include exploring attachment relationships, anxiety and emotional regulation, developmental trauma, family dynamics, friendship difficulties, neurodiversity (particularly ADHD), self-esteem and identity, or significant life changes.

Instead of focusing solely on how to stop a behaviour, we'll work to understand what sits beneath it. When we understand the reason behind a child's behaviour, we're much better placed to respond in ways that support lasting change, rather than simply managing the symptoms.

Children naturally communicate through play, creativity and imagination.

Sessions provide a calm, safe and accepting space where they can explore difficult emotions, build confidence and make sense of experiences that may feel overwhelming.

My work is attachment-informed and trauma-aware, drawing on P.A.C.E. principles to help children feel emotionally safe enough to explore what's happening beneath the surface.

Sessions may include:

• Play and creative approaches 

• Drawing and art 

• Sandtray work 

• Storytelling and metaphor 

• Emotional regulation strategies 

• Practical coping tools 

• Gentle psychoeducation for children 

Every child is different, so sessions are adapted to meet their individual needs rather than following a set programme.

Being a teenager has never been simple.

Many young people feel enormous pressure to cope, fit in and keep everything together, even when they're struggling internally. Sometimes this looks like anxiety. Sometimes it looks like anger. Sometimes it looks like shutting everyone out.

Therapy provides a confidential, supportive space where teenagers can talk openly without fear of judgement.

My approach is warm, relational and tailored to each young person. I take time to build trust, working at their pace to help them feel safe, understood and genuinely heard. Sessions may involve talking, creative activities or practical tools, depending on what feels most comfortable for them. Together, we explore what's happening beneath the surface, strengthen emotional resilience and develop healthier ways of coping.

Support may include:

• Anxiety and panic
• Low mood
• Emotional overwhelm
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Friendship difficulties
• Family conflict
• Identity and belonging
• ADHD and emotional regulation
• School-related stress

Children and young people often spend much of their time meeting the expectations of others, whether that's at home, school or with friends.

Therapy offers something different.

It's a confidential, accepting space where they don't have to have all the answers or pretend they're okay. They can explore difficult thoughts and feelings at their own pace, knowing they'll be listened to without judgement.

Building this trusting therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of the process and helps create the emotional safety needed for meaningful change.

Every family is different, so we'll begin with an Initial Assessment.

This gives us the opportunity to explore your concerns, understand your child's experiences, consider the wider family context, and decide together what support is likely to be most beneficial.

 Depending on your family's needs, this may include:

• Child therapy
• Teen therapy
• Parent sessions
• Family support
• A combination of approaches

 We'll also discuss confidentiality, safeguarding, practical arrangements and answer any questions you may have.

Following your Initial Assessment, we'll agree the most appropriate next step based on your child's needs and the concerns you've shared.

If individual therapy is recommended, sessions are usually offered in an initial block of six. This allows time for your child or young person to build trust, develop a therapeutic relationship and begin exploring their experiences at a pace that feels safe for them.

Because every child is different, there is no fixed number of sessions. Therapy is guided by your child's individual needs and reviewed throughout the process to ensure it continues to be beneficial.

For therapy to feel safe, children and teenagers need confidence that they can speak openly.

For this reason, I don't routinely provide detailed updates, progress reports or review meetings for parents or carers once individual therapy is underway. This helps protect the therapeutic relationship and allows your child to experience therapy as a safe, confidential space.

Where appropriate, I'll encourage open communication between young people and their parents while respecting their privacy.

If I ever have concerns about your child's safety or wellbeing, these will always be managed in line with my safeguarding responsibilities.

If you're worried about your child or teenager, you don't have to work it out alone.

All child, teen and family referrals begin with an Initial Assessment. Together, we'll explore what's been happening, understand your concerns, and recommend the most appropriate support, which may include child or teen therapy, parent sessions, family support, or a combination of approaches.