What happens during a therapy session?

I usually invite the parents to come for one or two sessions so we can speak totgether about the situation that preocupies them. It is also necessary for me to hear a full history of the child in the context of their family. Important milestones like birth, the birth of a sibling, early relationships all have an impact on a child. After this initail zsession, the child is seen for an assessment. This usually takes three 45 minutes sessions, on three consecutive weeks. After this I meet with the parents again to discuss the best course of action. Sometimes it might be therapy for the child. Sometimes the child is seen by another therapist while work with the parents goes on; sometimes only the parents are worked with. The work may focus on helping the parent make sense of the child’s behaviour, as well as how the parent’s own issues might interfere with their ability to parent. It may also explore different possibilities in parenting styles.

In the case of older teenagers or young adults. I can meet with the young person directly if it is their preference.

I adapt my approach to the individual child and work in an age-appropriate way. I am able to respond to the way a child wishes to communicate. During an individual session, young children do not usually talk directly about difficult things but may communicate through play using the toys provided. Older children may also play or draw whilst teenagers might talk about their feelings. Infants and parents are seen together to think about their patterns of interaction. To a trained eye, play is a powerful form of communication which may express how a child feels and the difficulties he or she may be experiencing. The relationship between the child and the therapist is central to the treatment.

How many sessions are needed?

This really depends on the individual situation. Psychotherapy is not a quick fix and results can take time especially when there are deep seated difficulties that have been present for a long time. This said, sometimes only a few sessions are needed. Children, unlike adults, are very flexible and have a strong drive to get better and get on with their normal development.

When I see a child for therapy, I meet with the parents regularly to update them on the child’s p;rogress and think with them about their child’s experience.