What child therapy can help with

Child and adolescent therapy can support a wide range of emotional, behavioural and developmental concerns. It may be relevant for anxiety, fears, panic-like reactions, school refusal, social anxiety, sadness, depression, low motivation, grief, trauma, bullying, family separation, relocation, friendship problems, emotional outbursts or persistent low self-esteem.

Some children also need support with neurodevelopmental differences such as attention difficulties, impulsivity, sensory overload, executive functioning problems or emotional intensity. In these cases, therapy may include practical tools, emotional education, parent guidance and, when appropriate, links with ADHD-focused therapy or other specialist support. The aim is not to force the child to behave like everyone else, but to understand their needs and help them function with more confidence and less distress.

When Should Parents Consider Therapy?

Many parents wonder whether what their child is experiencing is simply “a phase” or whether professional support may be helpful.

Therapy may be beneficial when emotional or behavioural difficulties:

• persist for several weeks or months
• interfere with school or academic performance
• affect friendships or family relationships
• cause significant distress
• become increasingly intense
• appear after a major life event or trauma
• leave parents feeling unsure how to help

Early intervention can often prevent difficulties from becoming more severe and helps children develop lifelong emotional resilience.

Therapy for Children

Children may benefit from therapy for many different reasons.

Common concerns include:

• Anxiety and excessive worries
• Separation anxiety
• School refusal
• Emotional outbursts
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Low self-confidence
• Social difficulties
• Bullying
• Sleep difficulties
• Grief and bereavement
• Divorce or family separation
• Trauma
• Behavioural difficulties
• ADHD-related challenges
• Autism-related emotional support

Young children rarely sit and simply talk about their emotions.

Instead, therapists may use:

• play
• drawing
• storytelling
• games
• creative activities
• emotional education
• relaxation exercises
• age-appropriate CBT techniques

These approaches help children express feelings that they may not yet have the words to describe.

Therapy for Teenagers

Adolescence brings enormous psychological, social and biological changes.

Teenagers may seek therapy for:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Identity exploration
• Body image concerns
• Eating difficulties
• Friendship problems
• Family conflict
• Academic stress
• Exam anxiety
• Perfectionism
• Self-harm
• Emotional regulation
• Relationship difficulties

Sessions with teenagers generally resemble adult psychotherapy while remaining adapted to adolescent development.

Therapists create a confidential, respectful space where young people can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgement.

Common Difficulties We Support

Our psychologists frequently work with children and teenagers experiencing:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Conditions
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Trauma and PTSD
• School Refusal
• Bullying
• Emotional Dysregulation
• Low Self-Esteem
• Family Separation
• Bereavement
• Panic Attacks
• Selective Mutism
• Social Anxiety

Each difficulty requires an individualised assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

How Therapy Is Adapted to Each Child

Every child is different.

Some benefit from highly structured approaches, while others need more creative or experiential methods.

Depending on the child’s needs, therapists may integrate:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Play Therapy
• Art Therapy
• EMDR
• Trauma-Focused CBT
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
• Parent Coaching
• Family Therapy
• Emotional Regulation Skills

The therapeutic approach is always adapted to the child—not the other way around.

The Role of Parents

Parents play an essential role in successful child therapy.

Therapy is not about blaming parents.

Instead, it helps families better understand what a child is experiencing and how everyone can work together to support emotional wellbeing.

Depending on the child’s age and needs, therapy may include:

• parent consultations
• family sessions
• guidance on emotional regulation
• behavioural strategies
• communication skills
• practical support for home routines

When parents feel more confident, children often feel safer and more understood.

Working With Schools and Other Professionals

Children develop within many different environments.

When appropriate and with parental consent, therapists may collaborate with:

• schools
• teachers
• school counsellors
• paediatricians
• psychiatrists
• speech and language therapists
• occupational therapists

This collaborative approach helps create consistent support across different areas of the child’s life.

Therapy for International and Multicultural Families

Supporting international families is one of the areas of expertise at My International Therapy.

Children growing up between cultures may experience unique emotional challenges, including:

• relocation
• changing schools
• language barriers
• cultural identity questions
• separation from extended family
• adapting to new countries
• living between different cultures
• balancing multiple languages

These experiences can affect confidence, friendships and emotional wellbeing.

Working with therapists who understand international life can help children and families navigate these transitions with greater confidence.

What Happens During the First Appointment?

The first sessions focus on understanding the child as a whole.

The therapist may explore:

• current concerns
• developmental history
• family relationships
• school experience
• friendships
• emotional strengths
• medical history
• previous support
• family goals

Rather than rushing into treatment, the initial assessment allows the therapist to build a personalised therapy plan adapted to the child’s unique needs.

FAQ

What age can children start therapy?

Children can benefit from psychological support from a very young age. The methods used depend on the child’s developmental stage and emotional needs.

Will parents attend sessions?

Usually yes. Parent involvement varies depending on the child’s age, the presenting concerns and the therapeutic approach.

Will my child only play during therapy?

Play is often an important therapeutic tool for younger children, but it is always purposeful. Through play, children communicate emotions, experiences and worries that they may struggle to express verbally.

Is therapy confidential for teenagers?

Yes. Confidentiality helps teenagers build trust with their therapist while maintaining appropriate communication with parents when necessary for safety and treatment.

How do I know if my child needs therapy?

If emotional or behavioural difficulties persist, interfere with daily life or leave you feeling unsure how to help, an initial consultation can clarify whether therapy would be beneficial.

Can therapy help with school refusal?

Yes. School refusal often reflects underlying anxiety, emotional distress or other psychological difficulties that therapy can help assess and address.

Find a Child or Adolescent Psychologist

At My International Therapy, our psychologists provide compassionate, evidence-based support for children, teenagers and families.

Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, emotional difficulties, behavioural challenges, school-related stress or major life transitions, we can help you find a therapist who understands their unique developmental needs.

Early support can make a lasting difference—not only by reducing current difficulties, but by helping young people build the emotional resilience they will carry into adulthood.