Psychological help for children and adolescents

Children and adolescents experience emotional difficulties differently from adults, often through behaviour, changes in mood or physical symptoms.

Psychological support helps us understand what is happening and find ways to help a child or teenager feel better.

In my work, understanding difficulties matters just as much as recognising a young person's strengths and resources.

What difficulties can we work on?

• Emotional difficulties, including anxiety, low mood and irritability.

• Difficult experiences or life changes, such as parents' divorce, bereavement or moving home.

• Problems with peers or at school.

• Difficulty coping with stress.

• Changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, aggression, sleep problems or changes in appetite.

• Questions about a child's emotional and social development.

What happens at the first meeting?

The first meeting usually takes place with a parent or caregiver. We explore the child's situation and agree on how we might work together. Later meetings may involve conversation, play or other approaches. I adapt the way we communicate and work to the child's age, circumstances and needs.

The parent's role

Parents and caregivers are an important part of supporting a child. We discuss what is happening at home and at school, and parents receive information and practical guidance that can help in everyday life.

Teenagers

Teenagers often need a space where they can talk about difficulties without being judged. Meetings take place individually, with appropriate confidentiality. Parents receive information about our work to an extent that is safe and appropriate.

When is other support needed?

Sometimes a child's difficulties call for further assessment or consultation with another specialist, such as a child psychiatrist. In these situations, I help identify useful next steps.