What We Work With/Child Psychology

Child Psychology

Child psychology addresses a child’s emotional and behavioural difficulties through age-appropriate methods. Children cannot always put what they feel into words; they show it through play, drawing and stories. The parent is part of the work throughout.

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We can help children with:

Our approach to working with children

Play-based therapy

Children naturally express themselves through play. We use games, art and stories to create a safe, comfortable therapeutic space.

Parent involvement

We talk with parents about what helps at home and what makes things harder.

Age-appropriate methods

Our psychologists adapt their approach to suit the child's developmental stage, from early childhood through adolescence.

School liaison (if needed)

Where it seems useful, and with your consent, we get in touch with the school's guidance service.

How do I know if my child needs to see a psychologist?

In children, difficulty is usually expressed through behaviour rather than words. Changes in sleep and appetite, refusing school, unexplained stomach or head aches, sudden outbursts or withdrawal are common signs. If a change has lasted several weeks and is affecting daily life, it is worth talking.

  • Not wanting to go to school, physical complaints in the mornings
  • Marked change in sleep or appetite
  • Withdrawing from friendships, or sudden conflict
  • Drop in attention, focus and school performance
  • Difficulty continuing after a loss, separation or move

Should my child come to the first meeting?

The first meeting is usually with parents only. We talk about developmental history, how things are at home and at school, and what is worrying you. How and when the child joins the process is decided together afterwards.

We also plan what to tell the child. "I'm taking you to a psychologist" raises anxiety in most children; instead we work out an age-appropriate explanation together.

What is my role as a parent?

In child therapy the parent is part of the work, not outside it. We hold parent meetings at regular intervals to discuss what has shifted at home and to agree approaches you will try together.

In some situations it is more useful to work with parents alone, without the child attending sessions at all. We call this parent counselling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is child psychology?

Child psychology is a specialised field that supports children's emotional, behavioural and developmental wellbeing using age-appropriate techniques such as play therapy.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

A sudden drop in school performance, extreme anger outbursts, sleep problems, social withdrawal, excessive anxiety or marked behavioural changes are signs that professional support may be helpful.

How are parents involved in child therapy?

Child therapy typically includes parental guidance. While the psychologist works directly with the child, parents receive support to reinforce progress at home.

How do I know if my child needs to see a psychologist?

Changes in sleep and appetite, refusing school, unexplained stomach aches, sudden outbursts or withdrawal are common signs. If a change has lasted several weeks and is affecting daily life, it is worth talking.

Should I bring my child to the first meeting?

The first meeting is usually with parents only. How and when the child joins the process is decided together after that meeting.

If you'd like to talk about your child

You can write even if you're not sure. We'll look at it together.

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