Therapy for children and adolescents

When the initial assessment has taken place, sometimes it is useful for the child to attend the psychologist for a number of sessions in order to help address some of the difficulties highlighted.

Sometimes a child may be referred for therapy by another clinician, it is our responsibility to ensure that proceeding therapy is the appropriate option and that now is the right time.

When might therapy be helpful

Common problems that occur across childhood and adolescence can worry parents. Often your approach can provide the solution and our task might be to give you advice and confidence in your common sense. Problems that interfere with day to day living and which take up a lot of time are usually the places where therapy can make a difference.

The therapy approach varies according to the child’s level of development and on the presenting problem. For younger children, we guide the parents to help the child understanding and managing how the anxiety is experienced. Direct session with the psychologist works better for older children and adolescents.

School Issues

It is not unusual for problems to occur at home but not at school or at school but not at home. Problems of attention and concentration and how a child interacts with peers can be very obvious in the school setting. Separation anxiety may only manifest when a child goes to school. Changes in a child’s behaviour are usually a signal of the need for help.

There are times when a referral might suggest possible ADHD or autism and this may not be the case at all. An assessment with a therapeutic focus will aim to give clarity about whatever is causing the difficulty.

  • Setting and Building Trust

    Children usually adapt quickly to the therapeutic setting. We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere and ease children into the process. Older children and teenagers are treated with a focus on consent and trust-building, which is essential for effective therapy.

  • Respecting Individual Needs

    Sometimes children and young people are reluctant to engage in discussion. We respect their preferences and seek alternative ways to help, ensuring that their needs are met even if the approach isn’t what was initially envisaged.

    Balancing the adolescent’s need for independence and privacy with the responsibilities of parents or guardians is a key focus of our approach.

  • Collaborative Efforts

    We prioritise working collaboratively with families and, where appropriate, with other professionals involved in your child’s life.

    Children typically thrive and make swift progress in individual therapy sessions with the psychologist and to ensure that these advancements are sustained, it is essential that the improvements are supported in other environments, such as at home and school.

    To this end it is necessary to involve parents in the process and how that is done varies and will be discussed with you, because agreement is key to a successful outcome.

    Moreover, it may be necessary for parents and other family members to modify their approach and the way they communicate with the child at home, creating a more supportive and nurturing environment that complements the therapeutic work being done.

    This holistic approach helps to solidify the child's progress and integrate positive behaviours more seamlessly into daily life.

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