Children and Adolescents
Child and adolescent psychotherapists are qualified mental health clinicians trained to work with emotionally disturbed young people and their families. The focus of a child and adolescent psychotherapist involves a thorough exploration of your young person’s inner feelings via observation, dialogue, play, and creative expression. This involves a process of relationship building which can be thought of as an individualised, bespoke experience. Over time, the therapist develops an understanding of the patterns at play which appear to be interfering with the young person’s healthy development. The underlying meanings of these patterns, and the connections between present behaviours and past experiences are clarified further. Our child and adolescent psychotherapists also work in collaboration with the family/caregivers to make use of these understandings and restore your child’s capacity towards growth. Child and adolescent psychotherapy is a client-centred process which works at the pace of your young person, respecting their right to confidentiality and safe practice as per HDC guidelines.
Our therapists are equipped to work with a range of acute and chronic presentations including those with diagnoses of personality disorders or complex PTSD. Other common psychological health issues may include: Developmental delay due to social and emotional factors Navigating the effects of physical, sexual and emotional abuse Navigating the effects of trauma, loss and grief Child-parent problems Attachment problems Aggressive and violent behaviours Family dysfunction Depression and anxiety Deliberate self-harm Suicidal ideation Eating and feeding issues Deficits of emotional/social skills Children with chronic or terminal illness Identity or self-image issues Wetting and soiling Child and adolescent psychotherapy typically involves regular weekly sessions and regular parent feedback sessions. For children under the age of 5, your therapist will likely require a parent to also be present for these sessions. Psychotherapy can be a short-, medium- or long-term form of therapy depending upon the presenting issue. If you are unsure whether psychotherapy is the right fit for your child, please enquire further.
