Therapy for Children & Young People

Everyone experiences a range of distressing emotions in their lives, including children and young people. Normally, with the support of their family and friends they will find a way to manage these feelings.

However, at times, for example following a trauma, loss or transition, this may feel too difficult to cope with alone and the child and family may feel stuck and not know what to do. In such situations therapeutic support can be particularly helpful.

Through psychological therapy children and families can learn to manage emotional, relational and behavioural distress such as anxiety, depression, loss, attachment difficulties, parental separation and trauma.

For therapy to be successful it is important that the relationship between the therapist and the child is a positive one. Our child psychologists are all highly experienced in working with children and their parents and carers in a sensitive way, helping the whole family feel at ease in discussing their difficulties and thinking together about how to make positive changes. We have a number of psychologists who have specialised in working with children and young people who are in care and/or adopted.

We deliver our therapeutic services in a range of settings including family homes, therapy centres, schools and other neutral but welcoming venues.

The first step is usually a consultation appointment to parents or carers (depending on the age of the child) during which our psychologist will explore with the young person what the issues are. This is likely to take about 90 minutes. Based on the information discussed, he or she will make an assessment of the young person’s needs and recommend the most appropriate therapeutic approach.