Psychotherapy

Life can be challenging at any age. Children, adolescents and adults may experience periods of anxiety, stress, low mood, relationship difficulties, significant life changes or emotional overwhelm. Sometimes there is a clear reason for what we are experiencing; at other times, we may simply know that something does not feel right.

Psychotherapy provides a safe, supportive and confidential space to explore what you are experiencing, develop a better understanding of yourself and learn practical ways to cope with life's challenges. Therapy is tailored to the individual. The approach, pace and therapeutic techniques are adapted to your age, developmental stage, personality and specific needs.

Who can benefit from psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can support children, adolescents and adults experiencing a range of emotional, behavioural, relational or adjustment difficulties, including:

Therapy can also be helpful when there is no specific diagnosis or problem, but you feel stuck, overwhelmed or would like support in understanding yourself and navigating a particular stage of life.

When should you consider psychotherapy?

You may want to consider therapy when emotional or behavioural difficulties are persistent, increasing, or beginning to affect your everyday functioning, relationships, work, school or overall well-being. People often seek therapy when they find themselves thinking:

You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable before seeking support. Therapy can also be preventative — a space to address difficulties early and build healthier coping strategies.

What happens during psychotherapy?

The first sessions focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, what you would like to change and what may be contributing to the current difficulty. Together, we develop goals for the therapeutic process. Depending on your age and needs, therapy may include:

Talking and reflection

Exploring thoughts, emotions, experiences, relationships and patterns of behaviour in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Practical strategies and skills

Developing tools to manage anxiety and stress, regulate emotions, communicate effectively, solve problems and cope with difficult situations.

Play and creative approaches

With younger children, therapy may incorporate play, drawing, stories, games and other developmentally appropriate activities to support communication and emotional expression.

Building insight and self-understanding

Therapy can help you recognise patterns, understand your responses and develop greater awareness of your needs, strengths and choices.

A collaborative therapeutic relationship

Therapy is a collaborative process. The therapeutic relationship provides a space where you can feel heard, understood and supported without judgement.

What can you expect from psychotherapy?

The goals of therapy are individualised, but psychotherapy may help you to:

For children and adolescents, parent consultation and guidance may form part of the therapeutic process where appropriate. Supporting the adults around a young person can be an important part of creating meaningful and lasting change.