Therapy Modalities
As an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist trained to work with children and adolescents, I use several therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of younger clients.
Person-Centred Therapy
As a trained person-centred therapist, my approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and unconditional positive regard. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where the child or adolescent feels heard and respected. I take a supportive role, allowing them to explore their thoughts and feelings without any pressure to meet specific goals or timelines. The emphasis is on empathy and acceptance, fostering personal growth and self-acceptance. Children and adolescents struggling with self-esteem issues, identity crises, or emotional difficulties often find this approach helpful because it promotes self-discovery and encourages authentic expression. Person-centred therapy increases self-confidence, improves self-worth and creates greater emotional resilience. It’s particularly useful for building self-esteem and supporting children and adolescents through issues like anxiety, bullying, or stress from life changes.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected. For children and adolescents, this approach helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and how they impact their actions and emotions. For example, if a child thinks they’re “not good enough” in school, this belief can lead to anxiety or avoidance of schoolwork. In CBT, I work with the child or adolescent to challenge these thoughts and help them re-think them and replace them with more positive, realistic ideas. By helping children build coping strategies, CBT can be particularly effective for issues like anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy aims to explore deeper, often unconscious thoughts and emotions that influence behaviour. In a child or adolescent’s case, this can mean understanding how past experiences, like family dynamics or early childhood events, impact their current behaviour and emotions. I use conversation and, for younger children, play to encourage the child to express feelings they might not fully understand. This can be helpful to understand emotional issues, self-esteem problems, and relationship struggles, allowing children to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings.
Play Therapy
I am a trained play therapist. Play therapy is based on the idea that play is a child’s natural way of communicating. Through play, children can express feelings and experiences they might struggle to talk about. In sessions, I provide a range of toys and creative tools, allowing the child to choose what feels natural. I then observe and interact with the child’s play to understand their inner world and help them process emotions or work through difficult experiences. This therapy is especially effective for younger children dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety, or social challenges as it lets them communicate in a comfortable, non-verbal way. The key benefits include improved emotional expression, enhanced social skills, and healthier ways of dealing with challenges.
Theraplay
I am trained to use Theraplay principles. Theraplay is a unique approach that combines elements of play and attachment theory, focusing on building strong, positive connections between children and their caregivers. It uses structured play activities to create a sense of safety, bonding, and trust. I guide parents and children through games and interactive tasks that help strengthen their relationship and foster emotional growth. It’s particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma, attachment issues, or emotional challenges. Theraplay helps to increase emotional security, better parent-child relationships, improved self-regulation and social skills. It provides a safe space for children and caregivers to connect emotionally.
Distinct Benefits
Each of these approaches offers distinct benefits. While CBT provides tools for managing thought patterns, psychodynamic therapy delves into past experiences to understand behaviour. Person-centred therapy and play therapy offer gentle, child-led ways to express and explore feelings, while Theraplay strengthens family connections. For me, choosing the right modality often depends on the child’s age, personality, and specific challenges, making a tailored approach essential for effective therapy.