What is child and adolescent psychotherapy?

Child and adolescent psychotherapy offers a safe, confidential space for children and adolescents away from other areas of their life, such as school and home in which their feelings can be thought about. This is done through a combination of talking, play and drawing and working alongside the child and adolescent to encourage them to share their difficulties.

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A child and adolescent psychotherapist can help children and young people to find words for those feelings and help express how they feel in a different way. We are interested in what underlies their distress and this will help them understand themselves better. Through this process children and young people can develop confidence, resilience and life skills.

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How can it help?

Child and adolescent psychotherapy help children and young people better understand their thoughts and feelings, for example anger, sadness and confusion that can leave them feeling lonely and upset. Sometimes it hard to say out loud what we are feeling inside or these feelings may manifest outwardly in a way that is harmful to the young person and those around them. It is hard to know what is upsetting or causing distress. A child psychotherapist can help understand and address feelings, emotions and behaviours.

 

Child and adolescent psychotherapy can help improve relationships at home, school and with family and friends. Through understanding their feelings the child can feel more settled and more able to concentrate at school and engage with and enjoy all aspects of their life.

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Who can it help?

Child Psychotherapists work with children from nursery age up to the age of 25

We can help with a range of difficulties including:

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  Anxieties (separation, social and general)

  Low mood, sadness and depression

  Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

  Bullying (sibling/family/peer and friendships)

  Low confidence and low self-esteem

  Eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia and body dysmorphia)

  Traumas (single or multiple)

  Physical, sexual and emotional abuse

  Bereavement and loss

  Anger and aggression

  Poor sleep and concentration

  Relationship and attachment difficulties

  Neurodevelopmental conditions: Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) pre and post diagnosis