Children and Adolescents TherapyChild and adolescent therapy takes into account the developmental stage of the child or young person using a variety of approaches including cognitive-behavioural therapy, play therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness.In the beginning, our main priority is to establish a trusting therapeutic relationship in order to create a safe space for the individual. The level of parental involvement in therapy sessions will vary depending on the child's age and developmental level. For very young children, the focus of therapy will primarily be on working with the parents to provide them with effective strategies for supporting their child and managing their behaviour. When working with older children and adolescents, therapy will usually involve establishing individual strategies with the young person, while also allowing for parent feedback at the end of the session. |  |
There are several common reasons why children may choose to pursue therapy services, such as:
Behaviour ManagementChildren may struggle with behavioural issues such as aggression, defiance, impulsivity, or difficulty following rules. Therapy can help children and their families understand the underlying causes of these behaviours and develop strategies to manage and improve them. | Life TransitionsTransitions such as moving to a new school, changes within the family structure (such as divorce or the birth of a sibling), or adjusting to a new caregiver can be challenging for children. Therapy can provide a safe space for children to express their feelings and learn coping skills to navigate these transitions successfully. | Anxiety and DepressionChildren, like adults, can experience anxiety or low moods that impact their daily lives. Therapy can help children understand and manage their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience to effectively deal with anxiety or depressive symptoms. | Emotional regulationSome children may struggle with regulating their emotions and expressing them in appropriate ways. Therapy can teach children skills for recognizing and managing their emotions effectively, leading to improved self-regulation and emotional well-being. |
Academic ChallengesChildren with learning disabilities, ADHD, or other academic challenges may benefit from therapy to address specific learning needs. Therapists can work with children to develop strategies to improve their attention, organisation, study skills, and academic performance. | School refusalSome children may have difficulties attending school due to anxiety, social issues, or other factors. Therapy can help children address the underlying causes of school refusal and develop strategies to overcome barriers and reintegrate successfully into the school environment. | Social skillsSome children struggle with social interactions, making friends, bullying or understanding social cues. Therapy can provide a safe setting for children to practise social skills, improve communication, develop empathy, and enhance their ability to form and maintain relationships. | Self-esteemSome children may struggle with low self-esteem, self-worth, or negative self-image. Therapy can help children develop a positive self-concept, challenge negative beliefs about themselves, and cultivate feelings of self-worth and confidence. |