What is child psychotherapy and how does it work?

What exactly does it mean to be an ‘integrative’ child and adolescent psychotherapist, you may be wondering? Well, in the world of psychotherapy, there's a wide spectrum of approaches known as "modalities" – things like psychodynamic, psychoanalysis, humanistic, gestalt, behavioural, and person-centred. As an integrative psychotherapist, I draw from this diverse range of modalities, which allows me to tailor my approach to suit the specific needs of each client. The word "integrative" takes on another important role in my work. When children and young people come to see me, they are often feeling scattered, like pieces of a puzzle spread out on a table. My role is to help them gather those pieces and put them back together, giving them a sense of wholeness and integration once more.

Unlike traditional adult therapy, where talking predominates, I deeply understand that young people often struggle to verbalise their emotions and experiences. That's why I embrace the language of play and metaphor, which honours the developmental needs of children. Through play and metaphor, children are able to externalise their concerns and work through them in a safe, supportive environment.

I find that with teenagers and young adults, verbal expression becomes more prominent; however, the spirit of play, creativity and curiosity remains integral to my approach. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and integration, akin to piecing together a puzzle of identity. Through creative techniques like sand-tray work and the use of creative arts, I can help older children to explore and understand their internal processes and relationships, fostering their self-awareness and growth.

Getting started

Please note that all of my sessions with children are in person. I do not offer online psychotherapeutic work.

• Please make an enquiry via the website and I will aim to respond within 24 hours. I will address all enquiries, regardless of my current availability.

• The first step is to schedule a free of charge 20-minute video call. During this initial meeting, we will discuss the reason for the referral, availability, costs, address any questions you have and then schedule our first session. I will then send consent and terms and conditions forms which will need to be signed before the therapeutic work begins.

• Following this initial meeting, I will arrange an in-person meeting at the practice with you. During this session, we will explore your child’s personal and developmental history, as well as your family history, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s environment.

• The next session will involve both you and your child. I find this facilitates a smooth transition into therapy. Subsequently, I will begin working with your child on a weekly basis, with a review after the first 3 sessions to discuss my initial therapeutic plan.

• Throughout the process, I will meet with you regularly, typically 2 times per school term. In certain cases, I may suggest parenting sessions to complement the work being done in the therapy room.

• The period of therapy will depend on the child’s needs, I work both short and long term.

• Sessions are in person for 50 minutes, once a week on the same day and time.

• My fees:

  Initial in-person parent/carer meeting: £90 (90 minute session)

  Child and adolescent psychotherapy: £70 per session

  Review sessions: £70 per session