Therapy for young children
Psychotherapy and play therapy for children aged 3–11, with thoughtful support for parents and carers.
A 50 minute consultation with one of our assessing clinicians. A member of our team will contact you within 48hrs to arrange a suitable time.
Anxiety, worries and fears
Low mood, sadness and withdrawal
Anger, frustration and difficulties managing emotions
School anxiety, avoidance and difficulties attending school
Separation anxiety and difficulties being apart from parents or carers
Emotional difficulties associated with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences
Friendship difficulties, peer relationships and bullying
Some of the common difficulties we can help with
Sleep difficulties
Family changes, including separation, bereavement, a new sibling or moving home
Behavioural difficulties and changes in behaviour
Low confidence and self-esteem
Trauma, distressing experiences and significant life events
Difficulties with attachment, trust and relationships
How play therapy works
Understanding children's psychotherapy and play therapy
Children express themselves in different ways. Some can talk about their thoughts and feelings, while others communicate more naturally through play, creativity and stories. Our therapists adapt their approach to each child's age, emotional development and individual needs.
Play therapy is much more than simply playing with toys. An experienced play therapist pays careful attention to how a child plays, the themes that emerge, and their interactions with toys, creative materials and the therapist. These can offer valuable insights into a child's feelings, relationships and experiences, particularly those they may struggle to express in words.
Through a trusting therapeutic relationship, the therapist uses this developing understanding to help the child explore difficulties, make sense of their experiences and develop new ways of managing their emotions.
Throughout the work, we collaborate closely with parents and carers, recognising the valuable understanding they bring of their own child.
What to expect
1. A conversation
We begin with a 50-minute consultation with you, without your child present. This gives us time to understand your concerns, learn about your child's development, relationships and experiences, and explore what has brought you to seek support.
A member of our team will contact you within two working days of your booking to arrange the consultation.
2. Meeting your child, in person
Your child's first appointment is a 50-minute session in one of our therapy rooms, where they can begin to get to know their therapist and explore the space.
You're welcome to stay with your child initially, particularly if they feel uncertain or need time to settle. The therapist may invite them to explore the toys and creative materials, gradually building a connection through play and interaction.
Every child approaches a new experience differently, and there is no expectation that they separate from you or engage in particular activities before they feel ready.
3. Regular weekly sessions
Therapy takes place in person for 50 minutes at the same time each week, providing a consistent and familiar setting.
Sessions may involve play, creative activities, stories or conversation, depending on your child's age, interests and emotional needs. Through these experiences and the developing therapeutic relationship, the therapist gradually builds an understanding of your child's difficulties and supports their emotional development.
4. Six-weekly reviews
Every six weeks, we meet with you to reflect on how your child is getting on, discuss what you're noticing at home and consider how best to support them.
These conversations are an important part of the therapeutic work, bringing together your understanding of your child and the therapist's developing perspective, while respecting the privacy of your child's sessions.
Book a parent consultation
A 50 minute consultation without your child, over Zoom for £60
Once you’ve booked your consultation, one of our assessing clinicians will contact you within 48hrs
A 50 minute consultation with one of our assessing clinicians. A member of our team will contact you within 48hrs to arrange a suitable time.