Children and adolescent psychotherapy

In many cases emotional problems arise as the result of unresolved inner conflicts. They can be brought about by a serious illness in the family, parental separation, the birth of a sibling and the process of developing into an adult.

In the therapy sessions we will develop an understanding of the often unconscious emotional problems and conflicts that underlie the visible symptoms. Within a trusting relationship, the child or young person is able to express repressed or stressful feelings and develop solutions for them. Children often express their problems through play, by drawing and during role-play games. Teenagers, however, tend to talk about the things that are bothering them.

Bringing about behavioural change is as much the objective of therapy as dealing appropriately with emotions in different contexts. Regular meetings with parents and caregivers are important if therapy is to be successful since the system in which a child lives influences his or her development. Here we will be able to talk about your own parental problems and pleasures regarding your child or children. This helps to create a family atmosphere which facilitates healthy development over the long-term.

In some cases, it is helpful to give a teenager or young adult one-to-one therapy and provide parental counselling on a separate basis.

Since children, unlike adults, tend to express themselves through play rather than speech, play equipment is available for child therapy sessions that are appropriate to the child and how children deal with and resolve conflicts.

Problems:

  • Attention deficit disorders
  • Learning disorders
  • Contact and relationship difficulties
  • Relationship problems between parents and children
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Aggressive behaviour
  • Nightmares and insomnia
  • Eating disorders
  • Self-harm
  • Psychosomatic illnesses
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Restlessness
  • Bedwetting
  • Soiling
  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Suicidal behaviour