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Why do children and young people come to therapy?

 

We all experience emotional challenges during our lives, such as the loss of a loved one, worries about important relationships, anxieties about the future, or challenging transitions. Sometimes these challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed and full of feelings that may be difficult to communicate verbally. It can be especially difficult for children and young people to find the words to describe how they are feeling.  Often, they are first communicated through a shift in behaviour and mood; sometimes taking the form of angry outbursts, or a noticeable growth in anxieties and increasing withdrawal from life. These behaviours show us that a child or young person is finding it hard to cope, which can take a toll on their ability to learn, have good physical health and form positive social relationships. Psychotherapy can provide a safe and containing space for children and young people to explore  and understand their feelings using the arts and play.

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Common reasons for referral:

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  • Abuse and Neglect

  • Attention difficulties (ADHD, ADD)

  • Anger outburst

  • Anxiety

  • Autism spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Berevement and Loss

  • Bullying

  • Disability and illness

  • Eating disorders

  • Family conflict

  • Fear and phobias

  • Gender identity struggles

  • Nightmares and difficulties sleeping

  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Oppositional Defiance

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Self harm

  • Stealing and Lying

  • Substance misuse

  • Separation anxiety

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Toilet issues

  • Trauma

Initial consultation

After establishing contact, I would offer an initial consultation. This would be a time for you and/or your child to talk about the reasons they are seeking support and importantly, to ask any questions. From here, we may decide together to go ahead and make further appointments.

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Assessment Phase:

This time consists of between 3-6 sessions, where I learn more about your child's developmental and family history. I may also meet with you as a family, and/or your child individually to explore further, the original referral and to formulate a therapeutic plan.

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Therapeutic Plan:

Depending on your child's specific needs, we may agree upon on short term (6-12 sessions) or long term (a year or more) therapy. These sessions can consists of joint parent and child sessions for strengthening the relationship, or 1:1 sessions for the child, with regular reviews for parents.  I also offer a combined approach if this is felt to be most suitable. Regular reviews together will support the therapeutic plan and track progress.

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