Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy

Child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapy is a specialised approach to working with children, adolescents and their families. It differs from other forms of therapy as it aims to assist in gaining a greater understanding and awareness of a young person’s internal emotional world. Emotional distress in young people is often reflected in their behaviour, or the way in which they are experiencing the world around them. Over the course of therapy, and through the development of a unique therapeutic relationship, the origins of emotional distress and challenging behaviours can be understood and worked through, allowing opportunities for young people to overcome barriers to their emotional growth and development.

Child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a range of psychological concerns, including:

  • low mood/depression

  • anxiety

  • family relationship difficulties

  • peer relationship difficulties

  • trauma

  • bereavement

  • difficulties with adjustment or transition.

What To Expect

Assessment
Parents or carers will be invited to attend an initial parent consultation with Lucianne. This consultation helps to gain an understanding of the concerns that brings you or your child to seek therapy. With Lucianne, together you will explore your child’s social, emotional, developmental, and family history. There will also be an opportunity to talk about what can be expected throughout the initial assessment process.

After the initial consultation with parents, Lucianne will spend a few sessions with your child or adolescent, to get to know them and to have some experience of them within the therapeutic setting. This provides Lucianne with an indication of how a child may respond to psychodynamic psychotherapy and whether they may benefit from this kind of approach.

Following this process, Lucianne will invite parents to meet again and to think together about what might be most helpful going forward. If therapy is considered appropriate, the arrangements for therapy as well as the process will depend on the needs of the young person and their family. If psychodynamic psychotherapy is not considered an appropriate treatment option, a recommendation of a professional whose approach may be more aligned with your child or your family’s needs may be provided.

Psychotherapy
If psychotherapy is recommended, the frequency and duration of therapy varies depending on the nature of the concerns. Some young people may benefit from attending frequent sessions (eg. once or twice a week), whilst others may manage well with less frequent visits. Similarly, some young people can overcome their difficulties and return to developmentally appropriate activities within a short period of time, whilst others require more longer-term support.

Lucianne incorporates a variety of developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches to her work with young people that are tailored according to their age and developmental stage.  Psychotherapy sessions may incorporate creative means of expression and communication.  For instance, children do not usually talk directly about their feelings or difficulties but rather communicate through play using toys, drawings, or artwork.  Older children or adolescents might prefer to talk directly about their experiences.

Parental Involvement
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process. If a child is engaged in psychotherapy, parental involvement is important and periodic meetings with parents are offered throughout therapy. At times, a recommendation may be made for parents to engage in child-focused parent work with another professional, to privilege and protect the child’s therapeutic space. In other instances, it may be most beneficial to support a child by working with parents directly.

Make an Appointment

To enquire about the possibility of engaging in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, please use the link below.