Children
Children do not always have the words to explain when something is troubling them. Difficult feelings may instead appear through changes in behaviour, anxiety, relationships, play, sleep, school life or the way a child relates to those around them.
I work with children experiencing emotional difficulties, anxiety, low mood, difficulties with relationships or self-esteem, and periods of change or uncertainty. Sometimes parents have a clear concern; at other times, there may simply be a sense that something has changed or that their child is struggling.
Change, relationships and family life
Childhood involves many transitions. Starting or changing school, changes within the family, separation, loss, friendships and growing independence can all affect a child in ways that may not immediately be apparent.
Psychotherapy offers a space to understand what a child may be communicating through their words, behaviour, play and relationships, including feelings or experiences that may not yet be easy for them to recognise or express.
School, learning and belonging
A child's experience of school can be closely connected with how they feel about themselves. Academic expectations, friendships, feeling different, difficulties with learning or experiences of belonging and exclusion may all become important.
I am interested in understanding the individual child within the wider context of their family, school, relationships and experiences, rather than seeing difficulties in isolation.
Neurodivergence and individual experience
I also work with neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD or autism. Neurodivergence may be one part of a child's identity and experience, alongside their relationships, family, school, interests, culture and other aspects of who they are.
The work is shaped by the individual child and by understanding their particular way of experiencing themselves, other people and the world around them.
Working with parents
Parents are an important part of work with children. I usually meet with parents as part of the initial assessment and think together with them about their concerns, the child's development and the wider family context.
If psychotherapy is recommended, I will discuss how parent involvement will work alongside the child's own therapeutic space.
I offer psychotherapy for children in Central London. Depending on the child's age and circumstances, some aspects of the work with parents may also take place online.