Parents

Parents often contact me because they are worried about their child or teenager but are unsure what is happening or what kind of help might be needed. There may have been a noticeable change in mood, behaviour, relationships or school life, or simply a growing sense that something does not feel quite right.

At other times, parents come because family life has become difficult to navigate, particularly during periods of change or transition.

When you are worried about your child

It can be difficult to know when a child's distress is part of ordinary development and when they may need additional support. Anxiety, low mood, withdrawal, anger, difficulties at school, changes in friendships, academic pressure or changes in behaviour can all lead parents to seek advice.

I offer parents a space to think carefully about what they are noticing and what may be communicated through their child's behaviour, including things the child or young person may not yet be able to understand or put into words.

Adolescence, independence and change

Adolescence can bring particular challenges for families. A young person's growing need for independence can coexist with a continuing need for support, while questions around identity, friendships, relationships, school, exams and the future may become more pressing.

Parents can find themselves uncertain about when to step in and when to step back. Thinking together can help make sense of what may be happening within the young person and within the family relationships around them.

Neurodivergence, identity and belonging

I also work with parents of neurodivergent children and teenagers, including those with ADHD or autism. Neurodivergence may be one part of a young person’s identity and experience, alongside their relationships, family, school, interests, culture and other aspects of who they are.

In parent work, there can be space to think together about the young person’s particular way of experiencing the world, including questions of identity and belonging, and how they are understood within the different environments and relationships around them.

How parent work may fit alongside therapy

Sometimes a consultation with parents is enough to help clarify what may be needed. At other times, I may recommend meeting with the child or teenager to consider whether individual psychotherapy would be helpful.

When I work individually with a young person, I think carefully about their need for a private therapeutic space alongside the continuing importance of parents and family life. How parents are involved will depend on the young person's age and circumstances and will be discussed from the outset.

I offer parent consultations and psychotherapy for children and young people in Central London and online.

Read more about psychotherapy for teenagers and adolescents
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