​Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children and teenagers during my time in the paediatric department of a major UK hospital. That experience left a lasting impression on me—not just because of the resilience and creativity young people bring to therapy, but also because of how vital early support can be in shaping their emotional wellbeing long-term.

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I had focussed on working with adults and people over 18 years of age.  Recently, I made the decision to expand my private practice to work with children and young people, in response to the growing need I’ve seen among families, schools, and communities. More than ever, children are facing challenges that can impact their mental health, relationships, and confidence—and I believe timely, compassionate support can make a real difference.

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What Psychology Can Help With

Children and adolescents may struggle with many different kinds of difficulties, some of which may be obvious, and others that can be harder to spot. These can include:

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• Anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, phobias, worries about school or family)

• Low mood, sadness, or emotional withdrawal

• Behavioural difficulties, including anger, frustration, or acting out

• Difficulties focusing or managing attention

• Issues around identity, self-esteem, and peer relationships

• Concerns about gender and sexuality

• Adjustment to change or loss (e.g., bereavement, divorce, moving school)

• Stress related to school or exams

• Bullying at school

• Parental separation / alienation

• Living with a medical condition or long-term illness

• Self-harming or suicidal ideation

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Therapy can offer a space for understanding these experiences, building emotional tools, and developing healthier ways of coping. For younger children, this may include more playful, creative approaches. For teens, it might be about helping them make sense of thoughts and feelings they’re struggling to put into words.

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Starting with Safety and Understanding

Before any ongoing work begins, I always start with a comprehensive initial assessment, which includes a risk evaluation. This helps me to get a full picture of what’s going on, understand the child or teen’s experiences, and identify any concerns around safety or wellbeing that may need urgent support. This first phase also helps us decide together what kind of approach might be most helpful moving forward.

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For therapy to be effective, feeling safe is essential. That’s why we’ll spend time setting up clear confidentiality agreements from the outset. I explain these in a child-friendly or age-appropriate way, so each young person understands that this is a space just for them—but also knows when and why I might need to share information with a parent, school, or other professionals if there's a concern about safety. In my experience, this clarity helps children and teens feel more able to talk openly, knowing they’re respected and supported.

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A Collaborative Approach

Supporting a young person is rarely a one-person job. That’s why I work collaboratively with families and schools, wherever appropriate. Depending on the situation, this might involve working alongside parents or carers, providing strategies for home, or consulting with teachers and SENCOs to support the child more effectively in the school environment.

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Working together helps create consistency across the child’s life, which is key in making real, lasting change.

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Why Online Therapy Can Work So Well

Online therapy can be surprisingly effective for children and teenagers. Many young people feel more relaxed in their own space, and are used to interacting through screens in a way that feels natural to them. I use creative tools, interactive visuals, and screen-based games or tasks to keep younger clients engaged. 

 

It is important to note I am currently only working online with young people.

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For parents, it can make life easier too—no rushing through traffic or missing work to get to appointments. It also allows for flexible check-ins and joint sessions with schools or family members, making it a practical and accessible option without compromising the quality of care.

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As a qualified clinical psychologist, I have received specialist training in child development, attachment, and child and adolescent mental health. I am skilled in carrying out thorough psychological assessments and providing tailored interventions that are suited to the child’s individual needs. 

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Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your child's needs.

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