Welcome
Ben French BSc, C-Psych, C-Obs, MA Psych.
Hello, my name is Ben French. I am a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst working with young people from the ages of 2 to 25. My training included a Master’s degree in Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychotherapy and five years at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, internationally recognised for its psychotherapy training.
I’ve worked with young people for over 20 years, including leading mental health services in education and working as a Senior Psychotherapist in CAMHS (NHS), supporting children and adolescents with moderate to severe mental health difficulties. I now offer psychotherapy in private practice for children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as therapeutic support for parents.
Our expertise, your child’s future
I have significant clinical experience in evidence-based psychotherapy for:
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Depression and anxiety
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Self-harm and suicidal ideation
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Trauma and abuse
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Adoption-related issues
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Phobias and tics
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Eating disorders and body-related difficulties
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Difficulties related to Autism and ADHD
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Psychosis and complex mental health challenges
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School and family-related problems
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Gender identity and trans issues
I welcome all referrals from interested families, including those for fostered and adopted children (I work with the Adoption Support Fund and local authority providing psychotherapy and Therapeutic Needs Assessments).
My Approach
I practise psychoanalytic psychotherapy, an evidence-based approach that helps young people uncover the underlying causes of their difficulties, whilst fostering lasting, positive change. Sessions provide a safe, consistent space for young people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with expert support.
Approach
Psychotherapy Services
The Consulting Room
Therapy takes place in a calm, private consulting room designed to provide a safe and consistent space for young people and families.
The setting is quiet, confidential, and welcoming, allowing children, adolescents, and young adults to feel at ease as they explore their thoughts and emotions.
Creating the right environment is an important part of the therapeutic process, helping to support focus, trust, and meaningful growth.
Fees
Session pricing
Fees range from £70 to £90 depending on the type of work and frequency. Additional reduced rates are offered for low income families and self-funding students (places are limited). I also work with Aviva insurance.
Testimonials
Ben worked with my grandson who has been through trauma. He was struggling a lot and sometimes hurting other children. Ben supported me first, and then started working with my grandson. The therapy is ongoing and it’s already made such a difference for him - we’re so thankful
(Grandparent of child, 7)
It’s your listening and how you found stuff in what I was saying that helped me get new ideas. I like that because sometimes ideas in problems lead to better stuff. It’s hard to explain! It really helped :)
(Teenager, 15).
The sessions gave me space to figure out what Autism is for me and who I am. I don’t hurt myself anymore! That's super special Ben!
(Young adult, 19)
XX wasn’t going to school because of her anxiety and depression. Ben encouraged us to think more about her and what might be behind some of her behaviours, which helped us make changes at home. Then she had therapy with him, and having her own sessions helped her find herself. Thank you so much.
(Parent of teenager, 14)
I had a lot of questions about diagnosis and why I felt so bad all the time in my body. I didn’t want to be alive. Ben helped me work through all that. I still have bad days sometimes but I think that’s normal, it’s not like before - I actually have plans.
(Teenager 16)
XX was having huge meltdowns all the time and couldn’t bear to be away from me. It was exhausting and I’d pretty much lost hope. The support Ben has given us has been tremendous. Now she sleeps in her own bedroom and I feel like I’ve got my hope back.
(Parent of child, 8)
Get In Touch
If you would like to arrange an initial consultation or ask any questions, please get in touch by email, phone, or by completing the contact form below. Where possible, include the age of the young person and a brief summary of the difficulties you would like support with.