Children, adolescents and young adults. Consultations to parents.
A guide to psychotherapy for children
Child psychotherapy is not just about clearing up symptoms, but is concerned with long-term development. What sort of person will your child grow up to be?
Initially I meet with parents or carers along with other professionals to hear about the concerns and arrange an assessment, if appropriate. This will take between one and three appointments and after this a decision will be made about treatment. Where there are serious concerns about development sessions could be as frequent as three times weekly for a lengthy period. Where concerns are less serious sessions might be once weekly or fortnightly for a shorter period. There will be regular consultations wiht parents to review how things are progressing.
The one-to-one therapeutic relationship aims to promote the resolution of major internal conflicts and an improvement in the child’s ability to relate to other people. Young children use toys to play out aspects of their internal world, while adolescents may use drawings or more often the spoken word to communicate.
Referrals
I will respond to an initial enquiry by having a telephone conversation with a parent or professional involved with the child.
Credentials
Qualifications
I trained as a child & adolescent psychoanalytic psychotherapist at the Tavistock Clinic in London. As well as having a private practice I have a clinical post in Hampshire’s specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
Professional membership
I am a full member of the Association of Child Psychotherapist adn the Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists. The ACP is my professional registration body and I abide by the code of professional conduct and ethics.
Specialist interests
I have a special interest in attachment and trauma in early childhood and see children who are placed for adoption or in long-term foster care following these experiences. In addition I work with a range of emotional difficulties associated with autistic spectrum condition and more common concerns around depression, anxiety and educational difficulties in adolescence.
Contact Val
Please contact the Psychotherapy Practice or call me directly on my mobile, 07739 038590.