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What is the parents role in the children’s therapy?
Therapy for children and adolescents
Child and adolescent therapy is similar to therapy for adults in that it offers a safe space for children to express and make sense of challenging thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Just like adults, major life changes (like divorce, changing school, losing a loved one) can trigger emotional difficulties for children. Sometimes these difficulties naturally resolve in their own time. But in some cases, they don’t. If you suspect this is the case for your child, it’s important to seek qualified help so your child is able to get the support they need.
As children, we often don’t have the words – or life experience – to express how we’re truly feeling. For this reason, it’s up to the adults in a child’s life to notice that something’s “up” and to take action.
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What kind of issues can a child psychologist help with?
We offer support to children, young people and their families for a range of difficulties including:
- Low mood
- Anxiety and Panic
- Stress
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Behavioural difficulties
- Medically unexplained symptoms
- Difficulties relating to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Difficulties relating to Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Family and relationship difficulties
Visiting a child psychologist - what to expect
When you reach out to us, we will arrange an initial 20 minute consultation call to see if this is the right service for you and your child.
Following this, there will be two assessment appointments. Depending on the age of your child, these assessments will include time with you, any wider family members, and if age appropriate, time with your child by themselves too. In these sessions, your psychologist will work to understand the problem, what might be contributing to the difficulties and consider the most appropriate package of support. This support may involve individual sessions with your child, sessions with the whole family, and/or working in collaboration with schools and other services in your child’s network.
As part of a larger assessment process, our psychologists can also provide school observations, home visits and specialist cognitive assessments. Our child psychologists draw on different approaches to therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, systemic therapy and psychodynamic therapy – whilst incorporating creativity in the therapeutic process – depending on what they believe will be most beneficial for your child.
Frequently asked questions
How old does my child need to be in order to receive therapy?
Most of the time in the clinic, we work with children who are verbal and therefore over the age of 5. However, we also offer play therapy which is a type of therapy that lends itself to working with children who are younger than this. If you would like your child to be seen for therapy and they are below the age of 5, please contact our team directly who will be able to let you know whether there is a suitable therapist for them, depending on the nature of their difficulties.
How involved will I be in my child’s therapy?
When working with children and adolescents, parents are often very involved in the therapy process. The level of involvement tends to be greater the younger the child is. When working with children, our initial assessment involves two parts: first, meeting the parents in order to understand the nature of the difficulties, and the second, meeting the child.
Depending on the outcome of the assessment, we will make a clinical judgement on whether the focus of the work will be on working one-on-one with the child or with the parents to help them manage the difficulties of the child more effectively. When working with adolescents, this process may be different due to their developmental stage. There is often a greater need for some degree of separation and privacy of the therapy space when it comes to young people.
How many sessions will my child need?
This will be dependent on your child’s presentation and how they engage with the therapy. Sometimes – and when working on a specific issue or goal – 12 sessions may be indicated. Other times, we may believe that your child will benefit from a longer-term therapeutic relationship and in these cases, the therapy may continue for a year.
What types of issues do you treat for children and adolescents?
We provide support for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioural problems, school-related stress, bullying and family conflicts. Our psychologists and psychiatrists use evidence-based approaches tailored to the unique developmental needs of each child or teenager, and we can help with adjusting to a new diagnosis, how this will affect your child and how our ongoing treatment can help to alleviate any concerns.
How do I know if my child or teenager needs professional help?
Signs your child may benefit from therapy include persistent sadness, excessive worry, declining academic performance, behavioural outbursts or withdrawal from family and friends. If these issues are affecting daily life at home or school, an assessment with one of our clinicians can clarify whether intervention is needed.
What happens during the initial assessment for a child or adolescent?
A child assessment is two sessions. One is solely with the parents, and the other is with the parent and child. During these assessments, we gather information about your child’s developmental history, current concerns and family environment. This collaborative discussion helps us understand their specific needs and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
Do you involve parents or guardians in the therapy process?
Yes. Family involvement is often crucial, especially for younger children. While adolescents may prefer more one-on-one time, we still encourage regular check-ins with parents or guardians. Depending on the situation, family therapy sessions or parent guidance meetings can enhance communication and provide broader support.
How does therapy for children differ from therapy for teenagers?
Therapy approaches vary depending on the developmental stage. Younger children might engage in play therapy or creative activities that help them express emotions indirectly. Teenagers often benefit from more conversation-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), adapted to address issues like identity, peer pressure and academic stress.
What role can medication play in my child’s treatment?
Some mental health concerns – such as ADHD, severe anxiety or depression – may improve with a combination of therapy and medication. Our child and adolescent psychiatrists can evaluate whether medication is appropriate. If so, we’ll work closely with you and your child to ensure safe and effective management alongside ongoing therapy.
Is online therapy available for children and adolescents?
Yes. We offer secure online therapy sessions where clinically appropriate. This can be especially useful for older children or teens with demanding schedules, mobility challenges or if you live outside London. Our clinicians are experienced in engaging young people virtually, ensuring sessions are interactive and productive.
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