FAQ
What is child psychotherapy
Child and adolescent psychotherapists work with children, adolescents and families experiencing a range of emotional problems, including anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, relationship/family breakdown, self-harm, neglect, abuse, bullying and bereavement.
I am trained in a psychoanalytic approach which seeks to look beneath the surface of emotions and behaviours, in order to help individuals and families better understand themselves and their difficulties.
Through regular, consistent attendance, a relationship begins to develop between therapist and child/adolescent. Through this therapeutic relationship children and adolescents 'may begin to feel able to express their most troubling thoughts and feelings. Confused, frightened, hurt, angry or painful feelings can gradually be put into words rather than actions' (ACP Website).
What is the difference between child and adult psychotherapy?
I am trained to work with children and adults. Both trainings centered on psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theory. Therefore both treatments are dedicated to understanding what has shaped a child's or adult's way of functioning and the patterns of behaviour that are possibly impacting on emotional wellbeing.
The primary difference between the treatments is that children and adolescents may engage in play or drawing, whereas adults may chose to talk. It is important to remember that we were all once children and, in my experience, adults' difficulties often have their roots in childhood experiences.
How long does psychotherapy take?
How many sessions a child or adult will need will be defined by the nature and severity of the problem and how long it has been occurring. Psychotherapy for long standing emotional issues can last from 6 months to two+ years. I typically recommend 6 sessions to conduct a thorough assessment before sharing my formulation and agreeing an ongoing structure of work.
Sessions are held weekly. However, some children and adults may benefit from more intensive work (twice or three times a week). In such circumstances a reduced fee can be considered.
Can you see me as well as my child?
It is often helpful for parents to access support alongside their child’s psychotherapy. However, I do not provide individual sessions to young people and individual sessions to their parent(s). In such circumstances a recommendation or referral to a separate psychotherapist for parent sessions can be arranged.
I offer parent-child sessions where parents and children attend together. For more information please see 'services' section.
Are the sessions confidential?
What is discussed in the sessions remains confidential and will not be discussed with others. However, in exceptional circumstances confidentiality can not be maintained. If a person under 18 discloses that they are being or are at risk of being harmed or if they know of another young person at risk I am legally obliged to disclose such information. In such circumstances I endeavour to discuss this with the child or young person, pre-disclosure, if appropriate.
What happens in the initial sessions?
The initial session provides an opportunity for us to discuss what has led you to seek psychotherapy for either yourself or your child. I can answer any questions that you may have about psychotherapy and how I work. The sessions will also enable us to get a sense as to whether we can work together.
We can then consider the structure of the sessions, which can be tailored to an individual family's needs. For example, a young person may wish to attend individual sessions for a period of time before engaging in some parent-adolescent work. The structure and progress of the sessions will be reviewed regularly.
How frequent and long are the sessions?
Sessions are 50 minutes long and usually held weekly at the same time in my comfortable consulting room in Truro.
What happens if my child doesn't want to come?
Research and experience indicates that counselling and psychotherapy is most effective over a period of time, with consistent attendance. Due to the nature of the work, painful feelings and emotions can often surface. It is recognised that this can make attending difficult. It is during these times that attendance is vital to help contain, process, and work through such feelings.