CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS

My approach focuses on understanding the emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges children and young people may experience, creating a safe and supportive space where they can build confidence, develop coping skills and navigate change more positively.

CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS

Helping Young People Feel Understood, Supported and More Confident

Children and teenagers can experience emotional and psychological difficulties just as adults do, but they do not always have the words or confidence to explain what they are going through.

Changes in behaviour, mood, confidence, school performance, friendships or family relationships can sometimes be signs that a young person is struggling with something beneath the surface.

At London Psychologist Centre, psychological support is tailored to the age, personality and individual needs of each child or teenager. The aim is to create a safe environment where young people can feel understood, develop practical coping strategies and learn skills that can support their emotional wellbeing as they grow.

Early support can make an important difference. Helping a young person understand and manage difficulties now can give them skills and confidence that remain valuable later in life.

UNDERSTANDING CHILD & ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

When Changes in Behaviour May Be a Sign That Something Is Wrong

Young people can respond to stress, anxiety and emotional difficulties in many different ways. Some may openly talk about what they are feeling, while others may become withdrawn, irritable or unusually quiet.

Parents may notice:

Increased anxiety, worry or fear.
Changes in mood or frequent emotional outbursts.
Withdrawal from family or friends.
Loss of confidence or increased self-criticism.
Difficulties with school, concentration or motivation.
Fear of separation or difficulty being away from parents.
Social difficulties or problems maintaining friendships.
Behavioural changes at home or school.
Excessive worrying about particular situations.
Avoidance of activities they previously enjoyed.
Difficulty managing anger, frustration or strong emotions.

These changes do not necessarily mean that a child has a mental health condition. However, when difficulties persist or begin to interfere with everyday life, relationships, education or family wellbeing, it may be helpful to seek professional advice.

Children and teenagers also respond differently to therapy depending on their age and developmental stage. Younger children may need more creative and engaging ways to communicate, while teenagers may need time to build trust before they feel comfortable opening up.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN & TEENAGERS

Age-Appropriate Support for Positive, Lasting Change

Working with children and adolescents requires a different approach from working with adults. Therapy needs to take into account the young person’s age, development, personality, family environment and the difficulties they are experiencing.

With more than 20 years of experience working with children, teenagers and young adults, including experience within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), London Psychologist Centre provides evidence-based, solution-focused, and individualised support designed around the young person.

Support may help young people to:

Understand and express difficult emotions.
Develop healthier ways of managing anxiety and stress.
Build confidence and self-esteem.
Improve emotional regulation and coping skills.
Manage fears, phobias or worries.
Develop healthier responses to difficult situations.
Improve relationships with family and peers.
Manage challenges affecting school or everyday life.
Develop practical skills that can support them as they grow.

Where appropriate and with permission, the psychologist can also work alongside relevant professionals involved in the child’s care, such as schools and GPs, helping everyone involved develop a clearer and more consistent understanding of the young person’s needs.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD OR TEENAGER THROUGH ASSESSMENT

An assessment helps understand what may be affecting your child or teenager and what support they may need. I consider their experiences alongside information from parents and difficulties at home, school or elsewhere. 

The assessment may provide a diagnosis or psychological formulation, followed by personalised recommendations based on their needs and goals.

Understanding Their Experiences

We explore what your child or teenager has been experiencing, including their thoughts, feelings, behaviour and any difficulties they may be facing.

Gathering A Wider Picture

Where appropriate, I consider information from parents and look at how difficulties may be affecting them at home, at school or in other areas of daily life.

Making Sense Of The Difficulties

The assessment provides greater clarity around their difficulties and what may be contributing to them. Where appropriate, this may include a diagnosis or psychological formulation.

Discussing The Findings

Following the assessment, I will discuss the findings with you, helping you understand what they mean and what support may be most appropriate.

A Personalised Way Forward

I will recommend a treatment plan based on your child or teenager’s individual needs and goals. Where therapy is appropriate, this may include evidence-based, solution-focused approaches to support meaningful progress.

Parent involvement matters

I would not put this as another numbered step. It works better as a separate small section underneath the timeline, because it's an important supporting point rather than part of the assessment sequence.