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Common questions about therapy for children, teenagers, and young adults
Considering therapy for your child, teenager, or young adult can raise many questions. As parents and young people, you want to understand what therapy involves, how it works, and what to expect. Here are answers to the most common questions I receive in my Colchester practice.
These answers are based on my experience working with children, teenagers, and young adults across Essex, and the concerns most frequently raised by families seeking support.
I work with children from age 5 through young adults up to age 25. Each age group has different needs: play-based therapy for younger children (5-12), talking therapy for teenagers (13-18), and specialized support for young adults (18-25) navigating independence and life transitions.
Consider therapy if your child is experiencing persistent difficulties that interfere with daily life, such as anxiety that prevents school attendance, behavioral changes lasting more than a few weeks, difficulty processing a traumatic event, or expressing feelings of hopelessness. Trust your parental instincts - if you're concerned, it's worth exploring.
Child therapy (5-12) is primarily play-based, using toys, art, and games to help children express feelings. Teenage therapy (13-18) focuses on talking therapy with emphasis on confidentiality and independence. Young adult therapy (18-25) addresses life transitions, career stress, relationships, and emerging independence while navigating family dynamics.
I focus on individual therapy with the young person. For younger children, I may provide brief updates to parents as needed. For teenagers, individual sessions are primary and confidential (with teen's consent for any parent communication). Young adults have completely individual sessions. One-off parent support sessions are available separately at the standard session rate if needed.
I describe therapy as "a special place where children can talk about their feelings and play games that help them feel better." For very young children, I might say "We're going to meet someone who helps children with their worries." The language is always age-appropriate and non-threatening.
Sessions usually involve play therapy - using toys, drawing, storytelling, or games to help children express themselves. Children naturally communicate through play, so this feels fun rather than clinical. I might also use books about feelings or simple mindfulness exercises appropriate for their age.
Absolutely. Shy children often benefit greatly from therapy once they feel safe. I allow plenty of time for building trust and never pressure children to talk. Many shy children find it easier to express themselves through drawing, toys, or sand play rather than direct conversation.
Limited but supportive. For younger children, I provide brief updates and guidance as needed to support your child's progress. The focus remains on individual therapy with your child. If you need additional support as a parent, one-off sessions are available separately at the standard rate.
Many teenagers are initially reluctant but often engage once they feel heard and respected. I focus on building rapport, respecting their autonomy, and ensuring they don't feel judged. Most teenagers appreciate having a neutral adult who listens without trying to "fix" everything immediately.
This is very common. I recommend starting with an honest conversation about why you think therapy might help, emphasizing that it's their space and they won't be forced to share anything they don't want to. Sometimes agreeing to try just one or two sessions can help overcome initial resistance.
Teenage therapy is confidential with important exceptions: if there's risk of serious harm to themselves or others, or if they're being abused. Otherwise, what your teenager shares stays private unless they choose to include you. I do provide general updates about progress and strategies you can use to support them.
Yes, absolutely. School anxiety and emotionally-based school avoidance are areas I specialize in. We work together to understand what makes school feel threatening and develop strategies to gradually rebuild confidence and attendance. This often involves working with both the teenager and school staff.
Young adult therapy respects their legal autonomy and maintains complete confidentiality. Sessions focus entirely on the young adult's needs and goals. If parents need support understanding their young adult's journey, one-off support sessions are available separately at the standard session rate.
Yes, these are very common concerns for young adults. We explore their values, interests, and fears about the future. Many young adults feel overwhelmed by choices and expectations. Therapy can help them develop confidence in decision-making and manage anxiety about their future.
University counseling services are valuable but often have long waiting lists and session limits. Private therapy offers more flexibility, longer-term support, and specialized approaches. Many young adults benefit from having support both at university and privately.
This varies greatly depending on the individual and their needs. Some young people benefit from short-term therapy (6-12 sessions) for specific issues, while others need longer-term support. We regularly review progress and discuss when therapy feels complete.
Typically weekly, especially initially. As progress is made, we might move to fortnightly sessions. Consistency is important for building trust and maintaining therapeutic momentum, particularly with younger children and teenagers.
First sessions focus on getting to know each other and understanding what brings you to therapy. For children, this includes lots of play. For teenagers and young adults, we discuss confidentiality, their concerns, and what they hope therapy might help with. There's no pressure to share deeply personal information immediately.
Yes, I offer online sessions for teenagers and young adults when appropriate. However, I prefer in-person sessions for younger children as play therapy is more effective face-to-face. Online therapy can be particularly helpful for young people with school anxiety or those away at university.
My practice is located in Colchester, and I work with families throughout Essex including Chelmsford, Braintree, Witham, Maldon, and surrounding areas. I also offer online sessions for those who prefer remote therapy or live further away.
Please seek immediate support. Contact your GP, call 111, or go to A&E if there's immediate danger. I work with young people who have self-harm thoughts, but safety is always the priority. We'll work together to create safety plans and involve appropriate professional support.
I explain confidentiality clearly to all young people: what they share stays private unless there's risk of serious harm to themselves or others, or if someone is hurting them. When possible, I involve young people in decisions about sharing information and explain why it's necessary.
This is common. Consider scheduling a consultation where we can discuss your concerns together. Sometimes one parent is more worried while the other prefers to "wait and see." Understanding your child's needs and the benefits of early intervention can help you reach agreement.
I work with whatever family structure exists while maintaining focus on the young person's individual therapy. Brief communications with parents can be coordinated as needed. The young person's wellbeing is always the priority. If parents need additional support, one-off sessions are available separately at the standard rate.
This can be challenging. I encourage open communication about the benefits of therapy and can provide information to help explain why professional support might be helpful. In some cases, one parent can proceed with therapy while keeping the other informed about general progress.
Progress looks different for each young person. You might notice improved mood, better communication, increased confidence, or better coping with stress. For children, you might see changes in play or behavior. I provide regular updates and we'll discuss what progress looks like for your specific situation.
Progress isn't always linear, and sometimes things feel worse before they improve as young people process difficult emotions. However, if we're not seeing progress after several sessions, we'll reassess the approach and discuss whether a different therapeutic method or additional support might be helpful.
Therapy concludes when the young person has achieved their goals, developed good coping strategies, and feels confident managing their challenges. This is always a collaborative decision. Some young people return for "top-up" sessions during stressful periods, which is completely normal.
Every family's situation is unique, and you may have specific questions not covered here. I'm happy to discuss your particular circumstances and how therapy might help your child, teenager, or young adult.
All consultations are confidential and take place in my comfortable practice in Colchester, Essex.