Child and Adolescent Therapy
Children rarely describe distress in sentences. They show it through behaviour, play, sleep and stomach aches. Therapy begins by translating that language.
When is therapy needed?
Not every difficult period requires therapy. What matters is not the difficulty itself but its duration, intensity and how much it narrows the child's life. If one of the following has lasted several weeks and affects school, sleep, friendships or life at home, an initial consultation is worthwhile:
- Anxiety, fears, separation difficulties or refusal to attend school
- Angry outbursts, defiance, aggressive behaviour
- Withdrawal, low mood, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Marked changes in sleep or eating, regression in toilet training
- A sudden drop in school performance, avoidance of homework, attention complaints
- Difficulties with peers, exclusion, bullying
- Adjustment difficulties after divorce, loss, illness or relocation
How the process works
Parent meeting
The first session is without the child: developmental history, family context, when the difficulty began.
Getting to know the child
Two or three sessions using play, drawing or conversation depending on age.
Assessment
Attention, intelligence or cognitive assessment tools where indicated.
Plan
Goals, method and the parent's role are agreed with the family.
Sessions
Weekly, 45–50 minutes, with a review every 4–6 sessions.
Ending
Sessions are spaced out gradually rather than stopped abruptly.
Working with adolescents
With adolescents, confidentiality is discussed openly in the first session: what they share is not passed on to parents; the only exception is a serious safety risk, and that exception is stated in advance. Parents are updated on direction and progress rather than content.
Let's talk for 15 minutes before you decide.
Starting therapy is a big decision. Let's meet first: tell me what is on your mind and I will tell you plainly whether ongoing work is needed and, if so, how we would proceed. You are not committing to anything.
- What we talk aboutWhat you have noticed at home, and what worries you.
- What you getA clear answer on whether ongoing work is needed.
- How long15 minutes, by phone or video — whichever suits you.
S.S.S.
Frequently asked questions
Do you work in English?
How long does therapy take?
Can sessions be online?
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Appointment
A good day to talk it through.
You don't need to be sure. In a free 15-minute call, tell me what you have noticed and we will work out together whether ongoing work is needed.