Working with Children & Adolescents

Specialist Approach

I am a counsellor and psychotherapist trained to work specifically with children and adolescents. This offers me a unique, specialised approach to help understand young people’s mental health and development. This distinctive training means I recognise the complexities of childhood and adolescent experiences, allowing me to tailor my approach to be age-appropriate and sensitive to each developmental stage. One of the key approaches I use is to create a safe and engaging environment.

Younger Clients

The therapeutic approach for children and adolescents differs significantly from that for adults, primarily because children may lack the vocabulary or cognitive development to articulate their emotions directly. Younger clients may not readily express their emotions verbally. Therefore, I employ creative, play therapy methods which help children communicate their thoughts and feelings more freely. In these sessions, toys, art materials or games allow children to externalise their thoughts and work through challenging emotions. I am trained to observe non-verbal cues as these play-based techniques align more with a younger client’s natural mode of expression.

Child in play therapy
Adolescent in Therapy

Adolescents

For adolescents, who may experience intense feelings and challenges around identity, I use an empathic, non-judgmental approach to help them feel understood and accepted. Sessions with adolescents focus on helping them articulate their experiences, build coping strategies and improve self-awareness. By engaging young clients in ways that resonate with them, I can build a trusting relationship, a foundational element of effective therapy.

Early Intervention

Therapy helps young people address a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, behavioural challenges and social or academic struggles. Early intervention in mental health challenges like these can help young people navigate the complexities of their inner worlds and improve a young person’s ability to cope and thrive in later life. By addressing these issues early, therapy helps young people develop emotional resilience, healthier coping strategies and self-esteem, as well as learning to manage stress, reduce behavioural outbursts and understand their emotions more. Therapy can help foster a more positive self-image.

Improved Relationships

Therapy can also improve young people’s social skills and relationships. It can teach children and adolescents effective communication and problem-solving skills which can enhance relationships with peers, family members and authority figures. For those who have experienced trauma or loss, therapy offers a safe space to process these events, helping to reduce symptoms of stress and the possibility of long-term psychological impact. It promotes personal growth and self-awareness crucial for adolescents navigating identity, autonomy and belonging.

A Sense of Agency

As a child and adolescent therapist, I focus on helping young clients understand their emotions, develop healthy relationships and build a sense of agency. These skills are crucial as they transition into adulthood, shaping their future mental health and relationships. Through a combination of developmentally appropriate techniques and an understanding of family dynamics, as a therapist, I offer children and adolescents tailored support to overcome challenges and build foundations for lifelong emotional well-being.