Psychotherapy for Children and Teens
Everything childhood throws at them
Sometimes a child knows that something doesn't feel right, but doesn't know how to explain it.
Children's therapy provides a safe, supportive space to understand what's going on, find ways of coping and help children feel more able to be themselves.
When Therapy Might Help
What can therapy help with?
Big Feelings & Emotional Regulation
Living With Health Conditions
Grief & Loss
Neurodivergence, Difference & Additional Needs
School Difficulties & Transitions
Strong emotions, overwhelm, meltdowns and difficulty managing feelings.
Living with illness, diagnosis, treatment and the emotional impact of health conditions
Bereavement, loss and adjusting to life after someone or something has changed.
Understanding experiences, identity and the impact of difference or additional needs.
School anxiety, transitions, pressure and feeling overwhelmed by school.
Family Change
Changes in family life, separation and relationship difficulties.
Confidence & Self-Esteem
Self-doubt, feeling not good enough and loss of confidence.
Anxiety & Worry
Persistent worry, fears, avoidance and anxiety getting in the way.
Friendships & Social Difficulties
Friendship problems, conflict, feeling left out and social confidence
Identity & Growing Up
Identity, belonging, changing sense of self and the challenges of growing up.
Therapy that fits the child
I adapt how I work to suit each child's age, stage of development and individual needs.
Ages 6-11
Playful, creative, hands-on
Younger children rarely sit and talk about feelings directly — so the work doesn't ask them to. Sessions use play, drawing, story and movement to help children process what's going on, build emotional vocabulary, and feel safe enough to open up in their own way.
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Play-based and creative approaches
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Sand tray, puppets and small-world play
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Worksheets and take home creative projects
Ages 12 -17
Playful, creative, hands-on
Teenagers need to feel they're being taken seriously, not managed. Sessions are talk-led with the option of creative and reflective tools, and the teen sets the pace alongside a clear, consistent therapeutic frame.
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One-to-one talking therapy, in person or online
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Worksheets and creative approaches
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Sandtray and play-based approaches where appropriate
A different way of working
Therapy is about more than reducing symptoms
The Conditions to Flourish Framework, developed by Zara O'Brien, provides the psychological foundation for the work.
UNDERSTAND
Know yourself. Feel understood.
We work together to make sense of what is happening and what might be contributing to it.
SUPPORT
Know what helps. Feel supported.
We identify what could make things easier, whether that's therapeutic work, developing skills, supporting relationships, adapting environments or helping the adults around the child.
FLOURISH
Feel able to be yourself and take part in life.
We look beyond reducing difficulties to consider what helps a child feel connected, confident, capable and able to enjoy and participate in life.
...and importantly!
SUSTAIN
Keep growing. Keep what works.
We think about what will help positive changes continue beyond therapy, including strengthening skills, relationships, routines and supportive environments.
What happens when you get in touch?
1
Free 15-minute call
A brief conversation about what's been happening and whether I might be able to help.
2
Assessment
We explore your child's needs, strengths, difficulties and what you would like support with.
Ongoing therapy
3
Regular sessions tailored to your child, with review and parent involvement where appropriate.
Practical information
Where
Eastbourne, East Sussex / Online across the UK
Sessions
50 minutes
Frequency
Usually weekly, particularly to begin with
Ages
Children and young people aged 6–17
Fee
£65 per session
Parents
Parent involvement is discussed and agreed as part of the therapeutic process.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality and safeguarding are explained clearly at the beginning of therapy.