{"id":183,"date":"2025-05-05T17:32:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T17:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/?page_id=183"},"modified":"2025-05-06T15:03:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T15:03:36","slug":"approach","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/approach\/","title":{"rendered":"Therapeutic Approach"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\u00a0<\/p>

Therapeutic Approach and Philosophy:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p><\/div>

Psychotherapy aims to feel safe, engaging and meaningful. I strive to create an environment free from judgment or discrimination, where young people and families feel encouraged to bring their authentic selves into our sessions.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
How Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy works <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Navigating the challenges of childhood and adolescence can feel like an uphill battle, impacting every facet of a young person’s life\u2014from family dynamics and friendships to their experiences at school. Each child carries a unique story, often struggling to find the right words to express their feelings.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

When they seem overwhelmed, it reflects a deeper struggle to comprehend their emotions. Sometimes, children convey their feelings through their behavior; other times, they might articulate their thoughts clearly but still find themselves trapped in negative patterns of thinking. This is where child and adolescent psychotherapy steps in, creating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere tailored for their growth. In psychotherapy, children are encouraged to explore and understand their personalities and developmental journeys. By highlighting their unique strengths and vulnerabilities, they learn healthier ways to navigate their emotions. This empowering process not only helps them forge more positive relationships with peers and adults but also fosters a stronger sense of self.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

Ultimately, child and adolescent psychotherapy is about guiding young individuals toward a healthier path, supporting them in reaching their full potential while building resilience, boosting self-esteem, and nurturing fulfilling connections with others. It\u2019s about equipping them with the tools they need to flourish in every aspect of their lives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process\u2014a space where children, young people, and parents can feel safe exploring thoughts, feelings, and experiences.\u00a0 It’s not about “fixing” or finding immediate solutions but about creating understanding, connections, and developing new ways of navigating the world and relationships, including the one with themselves.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

The process begins with building trust. Psychotherapy might look different depending on the child’s or young person’s age and needs. Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
How Psychotherapy helps young people <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Benefits of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p><\/div>

Child and adolescent psychotherapy offers essential support for young individuals aged 0-25, helping them navigate complex emotions such as worry, anger, confusion, or sadness that they may find difficult to express. Trained child and adolescent psychotherapists specialize in uncovering the underlying factors contributing to these challenges, facilitating a deeper understanding of the self. Our approach is customized to meet the unique needs of each child, employing age-appropriate methods that encompass talking, play, and drawing, while also considering the dynamics of their family or care unit. This type of therapy can significantly enhance relationships and behavior both at home and in school settings, empowering children to improve their focus, self-regulation, and emotional processing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

How Psychotherapy Helps Young People<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p><\/div>

A crucial aspect of effectively addressing a young person’s distress involves fostering an understanding of their feelings. We begin by attentively listening to their verbal and non-verbal expressions. Child psychotherapists are skilled in recognising how feelings and experiences manifest through both conversation and play. By working at the child’s or adolescent’s pace, we assist them in organizing overwhelming emotions, which can often feel unmanageable. This process can lead to improved dynamics at home and within educational environments. The importance of effective emotional expression recognising and articulating feelings is a vital step in ensuring that young people feel validated and understood. Even when underlying challenges may not be immediately apparent, it’s crucial for psychotherapists to thoughtfully consider what may be influencing these difficulties. Emotions and behaviors, such as aggression, sadness, anxiety, and restlessness, often carry significant narratives that deserve exploration. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable during their developmental phases, facing experiences that can sometimes feel excessive or unmanageable. Engaging with a trained professional can be instrumental in preventing the escalation of distress and fostering healthier relationships, while also helping to formulate effective support strategies for ongoing growth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
0-5 years (Infancy & Early Childhood) <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

For children aged 0-5<\/strong>, psychotherapy tends to be highly creative and integrative, focusing on the child\u2019s emotional and developmental needs. Children\u2019s play is the most common therapeutic approach for young children. It involves using play as a medium for the child to express their emotions, thoughts and experiences. Through toys, drawing, and imaginative play, the child can communicate what they may not have the language or ability to express otherwise.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Parental-Involvement:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>

In psychotherapy for younger children, parents (or primary caregivers) play a crucial role. I often engage with parents in joint sessions (parent-child psychotherapy) or offer guidance on how to support the child at home. This can involve strategies for building a secure attachment and helping parents respond to their child\u2019s emotional needs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Problems I help with:<\/strong><\/p>

  • Excessive crying or difficulty soothing\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
    • Separation anxiety beyond typical age\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
      • Difficulty bonding with caregivers (attachment difficulties)\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
        • Extreme tantrums or aggression\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
          • Sleep difficulties or night terrors\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
            • Feeding issues (e.g., food refusal, extreme pickiness)\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
              • Sensory processing difficulties\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                • Delayed speech or communication challenges\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                  • Repetitive behaviors or lack of social engagement\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                    • Separation\/divorce in families\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                      • Early Trauma & Adoption-Related Issues\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                        • Experience of Trauma\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                          \u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                          \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

                          \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
                          6-12 years (Middle Childhood) <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
                          \n\t\t\t\t\t
                          \n\t\t\t\t
                          \n\t\t\t\t
                          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                          For younger children (6-12 years)<\/strong>, psychotherapy often involves verbal and non-verbal methods such as play, drawing, or storytelling. These allow children to express emotions they may not have the words to describe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                          \u00a0<\/p>

                          Parental Involvement:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                          Throughout the therapeutic process, parents will be involved in ensuring that the child feels ready and safe to engage in psychotherapy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>I work closely with parents to help them make sense of their children’s behaviours and feelings and find ways to support them both in psychotherapy and at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                          \u00a0<\/p>

                          Problems I help with:<\/strong><\/p>

                          • Anxiety (generalised, social, separation)\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                            • Low mood, withdrawal, or signs of depression\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                              • Frequent anger, outbursts, or difficulty managing frustration\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                • Perfectionism and excessive self-criticism\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                  • Difficulty making or keeping friends\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                    • Bullying (being bullied or bullying others)\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                      • School refusal or anxiety around school\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
                                        \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
                                        13-17 years (Adolescence) <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
                                        \n\t\t\t\t\t
                                        \n\t\t\t\t
                                        \n\t\t\t\t
                                        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                                        For young people (13-17 years)<\/strong>, psychotherapy may involve talking, reflecting, or even using creative methods when words are hard to find.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                                        \u00a0<\/p>

                                        Parental Involvement:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                                        Teenagers often need space to feel independent in psychotherapy. I work with parents to ensure we’re supporting the family system as a whole, helping parents feel more connected to their teenager’s world whilst protecting their teenagers privacy and safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                                        Parents can use the therapeutic space to develop an understanding of their children’s behaviours, how they relate to their inner world, and how best to support their children when their own difficult emotions come to the surface.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                                        \u00a0<\/p>

                                        Problems I help with:<\/strong><\/p>

                                        • Anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic attacks, OCD)\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                          • Depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of emptiness\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                            • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                              • Mood swings and emotional dysregulation\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                • Identity & Peer Relationships Difficulites\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                  • Struggles with identity, including gender and sexual identity exploration\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                    • Peer pressure and social withdrawal\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                      • Difficulties in friendships or romantic relationships\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                        • School & Family Pressures\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                          • Bullying (being bullied or bullying others)\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                            • Academic stress and perfectionism\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                              • School refusal and avoidance behaviors\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                • Conflict with parents\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                  • Screen-Related Issues\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                    • Social media addiction and screen dependency\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                      • Gaming addiction and difficulties with real-life social engagement\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                        • Eating Difficulties\/ Disordered eating\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                          • Experience of Trauma\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

                                                                            \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

                                                                            \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t
                                                                            18-25 years (Young Adulthood) <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t
                                                                            \n\t\t\t\t\t
                                                                            \n\t\t\t\t
                                                                            \n\t\t\t\t
                                                                            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                                                                            For young adults (18-25 years)<\/strong>, psychotherapy is about helping young people understand their emotions\u2014why they feel the way they do and what they can do with those feelings. Other times, it’s about working together to explore deeper concerns such as relationship difficulties, past experiences, or struggles with identity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                                                                            \u00a0<\/p>

                                                                            Parental Involvement:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>

                                                                            since young adults are legally adults, they can give consent themselves, though involving family (with their consent) might be appropriate in some cases for additional support.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

                                                                            \u00a0<\/p>

                                                                            Problems I help with:<\/strong><\/p>

                                                                            • Anxiety, panic attacks, or generalised anxiety disorder\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                              • Depression, feelings of isolation, and lack of direction\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                • Low self-esteem and self-confidence\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                  • OCD, intrusive thoughts, and compulsions\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                    • Self-harm or thoughts of suicide\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                      • Struggles with self-identity, purpose, and future planning\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                        • Difficulties in romantic relationships or friendships\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                          • Family tensions and redefining relationships with parents\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                            • Burnout and academic pressure\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                              • Difficulty adjusting to university or independent living\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                • Work stress, career indecision, and fear of failure\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                  • Social media and screen addiction\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                    • Disordered eating behaviors\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
                                                                                                      • Experience of Trauma\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                                                                        \u00a0 Therapeutic Approach and Philosophy:\u00a0\u00a0 Psychotherapy aims to feel safe, engaging and meaningful. I strive to create an environment free […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-183","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=183"}],"version-history":[{"count":84,"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/183\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":474,"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/183\/revisions\/474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drtheodora.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}