What is Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy?

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy is a well-established, highly specialist treatment for emotional and developmental difficulties in childhood and adolescence, and a core profession within NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

As a psychoanalytic Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, my approach is to consider what might lie behind a child or young person’s thoughts and feelings. I carefully listen, observe and thoughtfully reflect on what a child brings to their session to help them better understand themselves and their problems. This includes exploring thoughts and feelings that the child or young person is aware of and those of which they are less aware. As the relationship with the child or young person develops and they feel better understood, they can find relief and healthier ways of managing difficulties, facilitating a return to normal development and a more fulfilling relationship with themselves and the world.

An important aspect of my work involves supporting parents through the therapeutic process, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the child or young person's difficulties, and offering guidance. Where appropriate, I also advise professional networks on meeting a child or young person’s needs.

I am committed to thinking carefully and respectfully about all aspects of a child and family’s identity including: race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, socio-economic background and their intersections.