Growing Minds Therapy offers evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy tailored specifically for children and young people. With over 20 years of experience, the BABCP-accredited Child and Young Person CBT Psychotherapist delivers structured support for anxiety, OCD, PTSD, phobias, panic and depression. Every approach emphasises clear explanations, informed consent and honest expectations so families understand the process and what follows.
The foundation of our work rests on more than two decades of delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to children and young people. BABCP accreditation confirms the consistent application of evidence-based methods across all specialisms offered. This broad experience informs every aspect of care, allowing the therapist to adapt established CBT principles to the individual developmental stage and family context of each young person.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for children and young people addresses a range of difficulties including anxiety, OCD, PTSD, phobias, panic and depression. Treatment for anxiety, OCD treatment, PTSD treatment, phobia treatment, panic treatment and depression treatment are all provided within a clear, structured framework. School avoidance support is also available when this pattern appears alongside the primary concern. The process prioritises transparency at every stage so that both the young person and their family remain fully informed about the methods used and the rationale behind them.
Our clinical approach integrates careful assessment with collaborative goal setting. Techniques are introduced gradually and always explained in age-appropriate language. The emphasis remains on building understanding rather than rushing progress, ensuring that each step is taken with the young person’s agreement and comprehension. This measured pace supports lasting engagement and helps families maintain realistic expectations throughout the therapy journey.
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Ongoing Guidance Between Sessions
Support extends beyond the therapy room through practical advice provided to parents and carers. Clear strategies are shared to help maintain consistency at home and in school. Follow-up sessions are used to review progress, adjust techniques where necessary and answer any new questions that arise. This continued availability helps families feel supported as they apply CBT principles in daily life.
Our Structured CBT Framework
The clinical approach follows established Cognitive Behavioural Therapy protocols adapted for children and young people. Sessions focus on helping the young person identify thoughts, emotions and behaviours that maintain distress. Techniques are demonstrated, practised and refined together. The process remains collaborative, with the young person’s views actively shaping the direction of treatment while maintaining fidelity to evidence-based CBT methods.
What to Expect When You Get in Touch
Initial contact is handled promptly and sensitively. A brief discussion establishes the main concerns before arranging an assessment session. During assessment the therapist gathers relevant background information and explains how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works. Subsequent sessions introduce specific techniques matched to the difficulties identified. Regular reviews keep the family informed of progress and any recommended next steps, including guidance on managing setbacks.
Difficulties We Help Young People Overcome
Growing Minds Therapy supports children and young people experiencing anxiety, OCD, PTSD, phobias, panic and depression. School avoidance support is available when this issue occurs alongside the listed conditions. Each presentation is approached through the lens of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, with careful attention given to the individual pattern of difficulties rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is trauma focused CBT most appropriate?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can be adapted for a wide age range within childhood and adolescence. The BABCP-accredited therapist adjusts language, pacing and activities according to the young person’s developmental stage. Suitability is determined during the initial assessment rather than by a specific age cut-off.
How does CBT for children differ from adult CBT?
CBT for children and young people incorporates more creative and concrete techniques to match developmental needs. Parents or carers are often involved to support skill practice outside sessions. The core principles of identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns remain the same but the delivery is tailored.
Is parental involvement required throughout treatment?
The level of parental involvement varies according to the age of the child and the nature of the difficulties. For younger children, parents typically attend most sessions. With older adolescents, some sessions may be conducted one-to-one while still maintaining regular parent feedback. This balance is discussed and agreed at the start of therapy.
What happens if a young person is reluctant to attend sessions?
Reluctance is openly acknowledged and explored in a non-pressured way. The therapist works at the young person’s pace, beginning with simple explanations and building trust before introducing active techniques. Clear information about the process often reduces anxiety about starting therapy.
How long does a typical course of CBT last?
The number of sessions is guided by the specific difficulties, their severity and how the young person responds to the approach. Regular reviews help ensure therapy remains focused and time-limited. The therapist provides clear guidance on expected duration once the assessment is complete.
Can CBT address school avoidance linked to anxiety?
School avoidance support is offered when this pattern appears alongside anxiety or other listed conditions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps the young person and family understand the maintaining factors and develop a gradual, structured plan for returning to school. Progress is monitored closely with regular adjustments.