Psychoanalytic psychotherapy for children, young people and young adults
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy provides a confidential setting in which children, young people and young adults can explore and make sense of emotional difficulties, relationships and experiences. Depending on age and individual needs, sessions may involve talking, play, drawing or other forms of expression.
What psychotherapy can help with
Psychotherapy may be helpful when a child, young person or young adult is experiencing anxiety, low mood, difficulties in relationships, bereavement, trauma, changes within the family, questions about identity, or patterns of feeling and behaviour that are difficult to understand.
How sessions work
The work begins with an initial consultation to understand the current difficulties, relevant history and what support may be appropriate. If psychotherapy is agreed, sessions usually take place at the same time each week. The frequency and length of treatment are considered individually and reviewed as the work develops.
For children and younger adolescents, I usually meet with parents or carers as part of the assessment and at agreed points during treatment, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality for the young person.
Sessions can take place in person or online where this is clinically appropriate. The most suitable arrangement will be considered during the initial consultation, taking account of age, individual needs and circumstances.