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Child and Teen Therapy in Cambridge
Children and teenagers often face challenges they can't always articulate. Whether it's anxiety, identity struggles, or emotional outbursts, therapy can provide a safe, creative space for expression and healing. This page outlines my specialist services for both children and teenagers, using distinct therapeutic methods tailored to each stage of development.
Child Counselling and Therapy in Cambridge
Young children often communicate their inner worlds through behaviour, play, or creativity rather than words. My approach to child therapy supports them in expressing feelings safely and processing difficult experiences.
Why Parents Seek Therapy for Their Child
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Emotional outbursts or shutdowns
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Separation anxiety or fears
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Social or school difficulties
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Developmental or sensory concerns
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Early trauma or disrupted attachment
See my blog post on 🔗Finding the Right Child Therapist and Counselling in Cambridge: Why My Unique Training Matters to find out more
What a Session Might Involve
At Cambridge Therapies, therapy for children is highly creative and adapted to each child’s developmental needs:
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Play-based therapy using toys and sensory materials
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Drawing, painting, and storytelling
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Gentle exploration of emotions through metaphor and art
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Parental involvement and regular check-ins
🔗Read more: Why Arts and Play Are Essential in Child Therapy
My Approach
With specialist training from the 🔗Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE) and the Tavistock Clinic, I draw on attachment theory, child development, and arts psychotherapy. I also have a background in schools, allowing me to collaborate with SENCOs and teachers where helpful.
Explore the theory in 🔗Attachment-Based Therapy Explained. As well as how 🔗transformative the therapy can be
Teen Counselling and Therapy in Cambridge
Teenagers face complex emotional, social, and developmental pressures that can leave them feeling lost or overwhelmed. I offer therapy that helps them explore identity, regulate emotions, and build self-understanding.
Why Teenagers Come to Therapy
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Anxiety and panic
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Low self-esteem or perfectionism
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Social exclusion or peer pressure
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Academic pressure
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Gender, identity, or family issues
What a Session Might Involve
Therapy with teens is flexible and attuned to their pace. It may include:
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Open conversation and journaling
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Creative reflection through drawing or metaphor
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Mindfulness and grounding techniques
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Developing emotional vocabulary and self-compassion
🔗Read more: How Therapy Can Help When You're Feeling Overwhelmed
Mentalization and Identity Work
I use 🔗Mentalization-Based Therapy to support teens in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. This builds resilience, empathy, and stronger relationships.
Supporting Parents and the Family System
I work closely with parents throughout the therapeutic process. Emotional containment, reflective parenting, and guidance can create a more secure environment for your child or teenager.
🔗Read more: Therapy for Parents of Teenagers
Choosing the Right Therapist
Therapeutic fit is essential. I’m a UKCP-registered Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, including school-based work, supervision, and lecturing.
🔗Read: How to Choose the Right Therapist in Cambridge
Frequently Asked Questions About Child and Teen Therapy
What issues can therapy help my child or teenager with?
Therapy can support children and teens with emotional regulation, anxiety, identity struggles, low self-esteem, school-related stress, and difficulties in family relationships.
What does a typical session involve?
Sessions are tailored to the child or young person’s needs and may include talking, drawing, storytelling, play, or mindfulness techniques. The approach is always respectful, creative, and developmentally appropriate.
Do you work with both children and teenagers?
Yes. Therapy is offered for both children and teens, with sensitivity to the different developmental stages and communication styles of each age group.
Will I be involved as a parent or caregiver?
Yes. Parent collaboration is a key part of the process. Depending on the age of the child and the nature of the difficulties, regular parent reviews or joint sessions may be arranged.
Is the therapy confidential?
Therapy sessions are confidential, although for children and adolescents, this is held within appropriate safeguarding guidelines and discussed clearly with parents and young people.
Learn More or Book a Session
Let’s work together to support your child or teen through their most important developmental years.