Support as they grow
Child & teenager
therapy
Children and teenagers feel things deeply. Sometimes they just need someone who knows how to listen.
At Affiniti+, we work with children and teens from early childhood through to late adolescence. We help them make sense of what they're feeling – and give them the tools to move forwards.
We know that seeking help for your child is never a small decision. Our role is to make the process feel as straightforward, warm and unhurried as possible – for you and for them.
Safe and supported environment
Is therapy for my child and teen?
Children and teenagers experience the full range of emotions that adults do – but often without the language or context to make sense of them. That gap between what they feel and what they can express is where difficulties can take root.
Therapy can help your child process anxiety, low mood, difficult experiences or painful emotions in a safe and supported environment. It can also help them develop coping strategies, rebuild confidence and strengthen the relationships that matter most to them.
You don't need to wait until things reach a crisis point. If something feels wrong – if your child seems withdrawn, distressed, stuck or unlike themselves – it may be worth talking to someone.
Therapy is equally valuable for young people facing transitions: starting secondary school, exam pressure, identity questions, friendship difficulties or the challenges that can come with a neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
How do we begin?
Before any therapy begins, we'll meet for an initial assessment. For children, this will typically involve a session with parents or carers, and a separate or joint session with the child, depending on their age and what feels right. This gives us the chance to understand what's brought you to us, and to answer any questions you have.
What happens next?
From there, we'll draw up a personal treatment plan together – outlining the approach, the goals and roughly how often we'll meet. We review this regularly so the work stays relevant as your child grows and changes.
What are sessions like?
Sessions for children and young people look different depending on age. For younger children, therapy will typically involve play, drawing, stories and creative activities alongside conversation. For teenagers, sessions will be more talk-based, though we always follow the young person's lead.
How are parents involved?
Parents and carers are an important part of the process. We'll involve you at every appropriate stage – sharing progress, discussing strategies you can use at home, and making sure you feel informed and supported throughout.
How long do sessions last?
Sessions last between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on age. They can take place in person at our Woolwich clinic or online, depending on what works best for your family. For primary-school-aged children, we generally prefer in-person sessions where possible.
Who you’ll see
Clinician to be confirmed
Name, role and biography will be added once confirmed.
Clinician to be confirmed
Name, role and biography will be added once confirmed.
Working together
Involving parents and carers
Your role
You know your child best. Before therapy starts, we talk with you about your concerns and your child’s history. While therapy goes on, we keep in touch about how things are going and suggest ways to support your child at home.
Consent
For a child under 16, a parent or carer with parental responsibility gives consent for therapy. We also ask your child to agree, and a young person who understands what therapy involves can consent for themselves. From the age of 16, young people can consent for themselves and we work with them directly.
Privacy for older teenagers
Therapy works best when a young person can talk openly, so what they tell us stays private. We agree with them what we share with you. Usually this is how things are going overall, not the details.
Safety comes first
If we think your child, or someone else, is at risk of serious harm, we will share what is needed to keep them safe. Whenever it is safe to do so, we tell your child first. You can read how we keep children and young people safe on our Safeguarding page.
Meet them where they are
What is your approach?
We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to children and young people's therapy. Every child and teenager is different – in their temperament, their background, their strengths and the challenges they're facing. Our job is to meet them where they are.
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At Affiniti+, we draw on a range of evidence-based approaches rather than working from a single model. This allows us to adapt our methods to suit the individual child, and to change direction if something isn't working.
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We take the time to understand not just the presenting difficulty, but the full picture: family dynamics, school environment, cultural background, and any earlier experiences that may be relevant.
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We see children and teenagers as capable and resilient. Our aim is to work with that resilience – helping young people build a stronger, more confident relationship with themselves and the people around them.
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We are respectful of each family's values, traditions and expectations.
Throughout the process, we work in genuine partnership with parents and carers. You are not peripheral to the therapy: you are central to it.
A wide range of difficulties
Who do we see?
Eating concerns
- Disordered eating
Neurodevelopmental support
- Emotional difficulties related to neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD, autism)
Emotions and communication
- Anxiety, worry and fears
- Low mood and depression
- Self-esteem and identity
- Selective mutism
School, relationships and change
- School-related stress or difficulties
- Friendship and relationship challenges
- Family transitions (separation, bereavement, new siblings, moving home)
Difficult experiences and safety
- Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
- Thoughts of self-harm
The approaches we draw on
What we help with
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Play therapy
- Narrative therapy
- Integrated psychotherapy
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Cognitive analytical therapy (CAT)
- Motivational interviewing
Questions, guidance or book an appointment
You don't need to know exactly what to ask for.
If you're unsure whether we can help your child or teenager, or you'd like to find out more before committing to an appointment, contact us for a confidential conversation.
- Confidential
- We aim to reply within 48 hours
