Young Children and Adolescents (up to the age of 18 years old)
Young Children/ adolescents may experience emotional troubles at any point in their lives, which is very upsetting and confusing for them, and worrying for their parents/carers and teachers.
Sometimes unfortunate life events, such as traumatic births, parent illness,parental separation/divorce, difficult beginnings, bereavement, loss, trauma, bullying etc. can have a huge emotional impact on the child, which can manifest itself at different stages in their lives. Most children/young people may not be able to fully understand what is going on with them, what is making them feel distressed, unhappy or angry. These children/young people may communicate their psychological distress through difficult challenging behavior, appearing very low, struggling to make and keep friends. In some cases they may express their distress through severe aggression self harm, restriction of food etc.
While some children can be more resilient and manage to overcome the emotional upheaval with the support of family and friends, others might struggle to manage and might need professional support.
How can I help as a Child Psychotherapist?
My specialist training in observation and understanding of verbal and non verbal communication enables me to work with the child/adolescent to help them understand thoughts and feelings that they find difficult to express verbally. Gradually as these feelings are understood and put into words, the difficult harmful behaviors decrease.
The treatment can be short or long term, depending on what will be most helpful. I will offer an initial consultation with parents to discuss their concerns. Following that I will offer a thorough assessment of between 3 and 6 individual sessions with the child, to explore together if this method of treatment is helpful to them.
Emotional difficulties I can help with:
- Attachment difficulties
- Anxiety and Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Low mood and low self esteem
- Bed wetting
- Self harm
- Aggression
- Stress
- Bereavement
- Relationship issues
- Early Trauma
- Emotional, physical and sexual abuse
- Emotional and mental health difficulties
- Looked After Children
- Autism
The sessions are weekly and last 50 minutes. I will provide toys and craft material for the younger children, who find them helpful to express their feelings. Adolescents might find it easier to just talk, but drawing material will be provided if needed.
If you would like further information please visit the website of Association of Child Psychotherapist. http://www.childpsychotherapy.