Therapy for young children
Support for children aged 3 to 11, and the parents trying to understand what's changed.
Some of the common difficulties we can help with
Anxiety and worries
Low mood and sadness
Anger and big feelings that are hard to manage
Not wanting to go to school
Difficulty separating from a parent
Friendships and bullying
Sleep that's fallen apart
Family change — separation, bereavement, a new baby, a house move
Behaviour that's hard to understand
Low confidence
How the work happens
Children express themselves in many ways. Some are comfortable putting thoughts and feelings into words; others communicate more naturally through play, creativity and stories. Our therapists adapt to each child, drawing on talking therapy, play therapy and other developmentally appropriate approaches according to their age, personality and needs.
For many children, play is a language of its own. Through it, a child can give expression to thoughts and feelings that aren't yet fully conscious, or easy to put into words. An experienced play therapist is trained to notice and gently make sense of these themes, gradually building a picture of the child's inner world — and it's that understanding that guides the work, supporting emotional development, resilience and healthy growth.
Throughout, we work closely with parents and carers, who bring an invaluable understanding of their own child.
What to expect
1. A conversation
A 50-minute consultation with you, without your child present, so you can tell us what you're seeing and what's worrying you. One of our team will be in touch within two working days of your booking to arrange it.
2. Meeting your child, in person
A 50-minute first session in our therapy room, with you present at the start. It’s normal for your child to feel unsure and there’s no expectation they engage immediately. You may join their play or activity. After 15–20 minutes, the therapist will ask if your child is comfortable for you to wait outside; if not, staying is fine. We never pressure a child to separate before they’re ready.
3. Regular weekly sessions
Same time each week, in person, 50 minutes, in a room set up for this work. Therapy is ongoing and reviewed regularly.
4. Six-weekly reviews
A meeting to talk about how the work is going and what would help at home — included in the session fee, in person or over Zoom.
Book a parent consultation
A 50 minute consultation without your child, over Zoom for £75
Once you’ve booked your consultation, one of our assessing clinicians will contact you within 48hrs