Parenting a child when you are worried about them can be a distressing time. It can be hard to know what is a part of ‘normal’ development or when there is something more complex that might need additional support. Knowing where to start can feel an impossible task when faced with a seemingly bewildering array of different therapies and therapists. It is important to take your time to find the right help for your child and it can often be worth getting in touch with your GP to seek their advice in the first instance. You can read more about different therapies available here.

If you would like to go ahead with therapy, and after an initial parent intake session, your child will be invited to a one-on-one talking therapy session. Following this initial session you will be given the opportunity to reflect and share your observations before going forward with any therapy. Many young people can feel anxious about going to therapy for the first time and support is provided so you feel able to hold positive and informative conversations with them before they start.

Working collaboratively with parents and caregivers is an important part of sustainable and positive therapeutic outcomes. After six sessions with your child a review will be held to share thoughts, observations and progress before thinking together about next steps. Between reviews you are invited to book 15 minute catch-up telephone appointments with any concerns, queries or updates that may be helpful to be aware of in the therapy. Outside the therapy, you are encouraged to support positive changes including new ways of communication and emotional regulation.

No child exists in isolation. When a child is struggling, the impact on families and caring adults is often significant. At these times, our own early experiences and attachments to caregivers can resurface. Understanding the ways in which this continually shapes us at different life-stages and influences our responses to our own children, can lead to improved emotional regulation and outcomes at home. Many parents can find that having a separate space to think about their experiences and get some emotional and practical support can be extremely helpful. On occasions where it might feel more appropriate to see an independent therapist, referrals and recommendations are available.