Guide by age
One block, two blocks, three blocks: choose the tower that matches your child’s age. This guide informs; it does not diagnose.
Preschool: a world told through play
At this age children show feelings through behaviour and play. Short-lived struggles are part of development; those that last and narrow the day need attention.
Common topics
- Separation anxiety and settling into nursery
- Struggles around sleep and toilet training
- Tantrums
- A new sibling and changes in the family
- Questions about speech, play and social development
When to seek support?
- The struggle lasts more than a few weeks and is growing
- There is a clear step back in sleep, eating or toilet habits
- The child never joins in play with peers
- You have questions about speech or eye contact
Play therapySettling into schoolAnxiety and fearsDevelopmental assessment
Primary school years: school, friends and rules
As school life begins the child’s world widens: teachers, friends, homework and rules. At this age children start to tell their story through both play and words.
Common topics
- Settling into school and not wanting to go
- Attention and homework routines
- Worries, fears and exam stress
- Friendship problems and exclusion
- Struggles with anger and rules
When to seek support?
- School refusal or morning aches have lasted for weeks
- The teacher keeps giving feedback on the same issue
- The child has clearly pulled away from friends
- Fears are affecting sleep and daily routine
Play therapySettling into schoolAttention and focusAnxiety and fears
Adolescence: finding your own voice
Adolescence is a time of separating from the family and searching for identity. Closed doors are often normal, but they can also signal a load the teen can’t carry.Feeling confused, arguing often with your family, feeling that nobody understands you — all very common at this age. You don’t need a “big problem” to talk to someone. What you say stays with me; the only exception is your safety or someone else’s.
Common topics
- Communication and tension at home
- School and exam pressure
- Friendships, exclusion and social media
- Anger, withdrawal and lack of motivation
- Questions of identity, body and self-esteem
When to seek support?
- Sleep or eating patterns have clearly changed
- They have long pulled away from things and friends they love
- School performance has dropped quickly
- They talk about self-harm or death: call 112 without waiting and contact a professional
This guide is for information only; it does not diagnose. If you remain worried, talk to a professional.
Not sure where to start? Let’s talk for 15 minutes.If you like, let’s just talk for 15 minutes first.
The free intro call is by phone or online; then we decide together.Write with your family, or write first yourself; we’ll decide together how to start.