Child & Adolescent Therapy
Children and teens don’t always have words for what they’re feeling, so we start with whatever they can do — talking, playing, drawing, building something — and let the words catch up later.
You don’t need the right words to start
Most people arrive with something closer to a feeling than a diagnosis. If any of these sound close, that’s enough.
“My child worries about almost everything.”
“Mornings before school have become a battle.”
“The meltdowns are getting harder to handle.”
“My teen has gone quiet and I don’t know why.”
“Friendships are a constant source of stress.”
“Home feels full of conflict lately.”
How the work actually goes
We build trust before anything else
No child has to talk before they’re ready. Early sessions are about making the room feel like theirs — often through play, drawing or games rather than questions.
Sessions fit your child, not a manual
Younger children usually work through play. Older kids and teens combine conversation with practical coping tools. The approach follows their age, personality and comfort.
You stay in the loop
Regular parent check-ins are built into the process, so you know what we’re working on and how to support it at home — while still respecting your child’s privacy about what they share.
Progress shows up in ordinary places
Fewer big blow-ups and faster recovery. Words for feelings that used to come out sideways. Calmer mornings, homework and bedtimes.
The things people ask first
What if my child doesn’t want to come?
Reluctance is very common, especially with teens, and it isn’t a sign therapy won’t work. Early sessions focus on comfort rather than expecting a child to open up straight away. Many young people who arrive hesitant settle in once the space feels like theirs.
Will I be told what my child says?
We agree at the very start, with everyone in the room, what stays private and what gets shared. You’ll be kept informed about themes and how to help at home, without your child feeling their confidence has been broken. That clarity is a large part of what makes the space feel safe to them.
How involved will I be as a parent?
Depending on your child’s age and goals, therapy includes regular parent consultations and collaborative planning. The aim isn’t only to support your child, but to help you feel more confident responding to hard moments yourself.
Is this available online?
Child and adolescent therapy is offered in person only. Developmentally appropriate, play-informed work with young people is better supported face to face. Parent consultation and adult therapy are available online.
How many sessions will we need?
There’s no set number. Some concerns are addressed in a short period; others benefit from longer support. We review progress together as we go, so the length reflects what’s actually helping.
Just a conversation.
Thirty minutes by phone, at no cost, to work out whether this is the right fit.