Child & Adolescent Therapy

At REST therapy, we offer psychological assessments and therapy to:

• Children (5–11 years)

• Adolescents (12–18 years)

• Parents and caregivers

Please note that when working with young children, we often work closely with parents and caregivers. Research shows that this approach is the most effective way to support children’s mental health.

Common issues we help with include:

• Low mood

• Anxiety and panic

• Stress and worry

• Emotional regulation and behavioural difficulties

• Grief, bereavement, and loss

• School avoidance, peer difficulties, or academic pressures

• Identity and development

• Low confidence and self-esteem

• Family and relationship issues

• Trauma and attachment-based difficulties

• Difficulties adjusting to life transitions and events

Children do not grow or struggle in isolation. We therefore consider the whole system surrounding a young person - home, school, community, and culture, and provide support that takes these layers into account.

Where appropriate and with consent, we may:

• Liaise with schools, Special Education Needs Officer (SENCOs), pastoral staff, or external professionals

• Attend multi-agency meetings or provide psychological reports

• Support transitions between school systems or home environments

• Offer reflective spaces for caregivers or family members

This holistic approach helps to create consistent support across environments, and often leads to more sustainable outcomes for the child or adolescent.

At REST, we understand that seeking support for your child can feel like a significant and sometimes overwhelming step. Our process is designed to be clear, compassionate, and collaborative, giving you and your child space to feel heard, understood, and supported from the very beginning.

Here’s what to expect:

• Initial Consultation Call
  We begin with a 15-minute consultation with one of our clinicians to hear your concerns, ask questions, and explore whether REST is the right fit for you and your child.

• Assessment Sessions
  Two structured appointments follow, and these may include time with you as parents or caregivers, wider family members, and if developmentally appropriate, your child individually. During this stage, your psychologist will build a holistic understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges, as well as the systems around them (home, school, social, cultural).

• Tailored Therapy Plan
  Following the assessment, we will offer a personalised formulation and recommend a plan of support tailored to your child’s needs. This may include writing a psychological report, individual therapy for your child, sessions with parents or caregivers, or collaborative work with other professionals involved in your child’s care.

• Therapeutic Support

  If indicated, your child will then begin regular therapy sessions, typically 50 minutes in length. Our psychologists draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, always adapted to your child’s age, context, and emotional needs.

• Ongoing Review and Support
  Throughout the therapeutic journey, we provide regular opportunities to reflect, adjust goals, and ensure the support remains relevant and effective. We aim to work alongside you as parents or caregivers, offering clarity and guidance as much as possible, as your child progresses. We also place special care and attention to therapeutic endings, planning them thoughtfully and with the child’s voice in mind.

• Confidentiality

  To support your child or adolescent effectively, it’s essential that they feel safe, respected, and able to speak openly in the therapeutic space. Young people have a right to confidentiality and increasing autonomy as they grow, which helps build trust and supports meaningful engagement in therapy.

  With your child’s consent, we’ll keep you informed about key themes or concerns that may arise. Where there is a risk to your child’s safety or wellbeing, we are professionally and legally required to involve you and take appropriate action.