A Supportive and Evidence-Based Approach
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists are highly trained NHS-recognised professionals, specialising in the emotional and mental health of young people. This evidence-based approach supports long-term emotional growth rather than focusing only on short-term behaviour management.
Child Psychotherapy aims for deep and lasting change — helping children develop the emotional tools to understand themselves, manage difficulties, and build secure relationships at home and in school.
Considering Therapy?
Every young person’s experience is unique. If you would like to learn more about whether psychoanalytic psychotherapy might be suitable for your child, teenager, or family, please feel free to get in touch. All enquiries are treated with care and confidentiality, and initial conversations are always welcome.
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.
How Does It Work?
As the therapeutic relationship develops, the psychotherapist observes patterns in the child’s play and communication, helping them make sense of confusing or distressing experiences. By understanding what lies beneath difficult behaviours or emotions, the therapist supports the child in developing their individuality and potential. This process helps children to process fears and anxieties, put feelings into words, and discover new ways to cope and move forward.
Over time, children often feel less anxious, more confident, and better able to focus and learn. Improvements in family relationships, school engagement, and friendships are frequently seen as the child begins to feel more settled and understood.
Child Psychotherapy can support a wide range of emotional and behavioural issues including:
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Anxiety and separation difficulties
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Mood issues and emotional dysregulation
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Phobias, OCD and obsessive thoughts
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Family conflict or change
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Trauma, neglect, or abuse
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School refusal or social withdrawal
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Self-esteem and identity concerns
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Difficulties related to Autism and ADHD
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Sleep, toileting, body and behavioural issues
Each child is unique, and the pace of therapy will always be tailored to their needs. Sessions usually take place weekly, offering the consistency that helps children feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences.
Understanding Child Psychotherapy
Child Psychotherapy provides children with a consistent and safe space to explore feelings, thoughts, and experiences that may be difficult to express in words. Emotional distress in children often appears through behaviour rather than language - such as difficulties in friendships, family relationships, school struggles, phobias, unexplained physical pains, or sudden changes in mood and behaviour.
In psychotherapy, younger children may be encouraged to play, while older children may prefer to draw or paint. These activities help bring to light inner worries, fears, and experiences that a child might not be able to explain verbally. Through play, art, and conversation, the child psychotherapist works alongside the child to explore these feelings in a thoughtful and containing way.