Youth & Family Therapy FAQ
Common questions about therapy for children, teenagers, and young adults
Everything You Need to Know
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.
General Questions About Youth Therapy
What age groups do you work with?
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.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
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.
What's the difference between child, teenage, and young adult therapy?
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.
Do you work with the whole family or just the young person?
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.
Child Therapy Questions (Ages 5-12)
How do you explain therapy to young children?
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.
What happens in a typical child therapy session?
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.
My child is very shy. Will they be able to engage in therapy?
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.
How involved will I be as a parent in my child's therapy?
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.
Teenage Therapy Questions (Ages 13-18)
Will my teenager actually talk to a therapist?
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.
What if my teenager doesn't want to go to therapy?
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.
How much will you tell me about what my teenager discusses in sessions?
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.
Can therapy help with school refusal or school anxiety?
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 Questions (Ages 18-25)
My young adult child still lives at home. How does therapy work?
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.
Can you help with career anxiety and life direction concerns?
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.
What about university mental health support vs. private therapy?
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.
Practical Questions
How long does therapy typically last?
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.
How often do you meet with young people?
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.
What should we expect in the first session?
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.
Do you offer online therapy for young people?
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.
What areas of Colchester and Essex do you serve?
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.
Safety and Crisis Questions
What if my child or teenager is having thoughts of self-harm?
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.
How do you handle confidentiality when there are safety concerns?
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.
Family Dynamics Questions
My partner and I disagree about whether our child needs therapy. What should we do?
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.
How do you work with divorced or separated parents?
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.
What if my child's other parent doesn't support therapy?
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 and Outcomes
How will I know if therapy is working?
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.
What if my child doesn't seem to be improving?
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.
How do we know when therapy is finished?
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.
Still Have Questions?
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.