It's normal for a child to feel distressed or upset when separated from their parents or caregivers, so to an extent, separation anxiety is a normal part of development. However, in some cases, it can become a problem that requires professional help. This article looks at the causes of separation anxiety, the signs to look out for and when to seek ...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a type of anxiety disorder that causes persistent, unwanted thoughts or compulsions that interfere with daily life. OCD can manifest in many ways, but some common symptoms can help identify it. Symptoms of OCD OCD symptoms can ...

Behavioural problems, such as stealing or aggressive behaviour, can often be a way a child or teenager communicates difficulties they are having in another area of their life – for instance, issues at school or with their self-esteem. All children develop differently, making it hard for parents to distinguish whether a child’s behaviour...

As a parent, it's natural to want to understand the reasons behind your child's behaviour and how to support them positively. Whether it's due to another condition or conduct disorder, it's normal for children and teenagers to experience behavioural challenges. It can be incredibly overwhelming to navigate the complexities of your child's behaviour...

While it's normal for young children to lie because they can't distinguish between reality and fantasy, persistent lying can be a sign of an underlying issue. Child and adolescent lying can result from multiple factors, including high parental expectations, fear of consequences, attention seeking, or low self-esteem. If your child frequently lies a...

As a parent, it can be hard to determine when your child's behaviour is just a phase or if there's an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If you are worried about a child or teenager exhibiting patterns of behaviour that go against social norms and are not in line with their age, it's important to seek help. What is a conduct disorder? A c...

As a parent, it's natural to feel concerned when your child or teenager displays angry, aggressive, or violent behaviour. However, it's important to know that help is available to support you and your family through this difficult time. The causes of anger, aggression, and tantrums in young children For young children, anger and aggression can stem...

One of the key causes of anxiety in children is stress, which can stem from various sources, including school pressure, exams, or changes in family circumstances. Children may also experience anxiety due to a lack of routine or underlying medical conditions such as ADHD or OCD. In order to effectively support children who are experiencing anxiety, ...

We all feel anxious at times in response to everyday events. However, when these feelings persist, or if they prevent you from completing daily tasks and enjoying life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. The first step to getting help for anxiety is understanding and acknowledging that you have a problem, and it's essential to educate yourself ab...

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective form of talking therapy that has gained great popularity in treating mental health issues in children and teenagers. It empowers children and teenagers to identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours and replace them with positive, healthy ones and is commonly used to treat condit...

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that can affect a child's mood, energy levels and activity levels. Spotting the signs of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers can be challenging, as the symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for normal adolescent behaviour. However, early recognition is the first step in providing support to ...

If you're feeling nervous or apprehensive about a performance, know that you're not alone. Performance anxiety is a common issue that affects many people, but it doesn't have to control your life. Feeling nervous before an event or performance is a feeling that most people can relate to. Whether it's a sporting event, acting or public speaking, it'...

What is EMDR therapy? Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a recognised and effective treatment option for anxiety, PTSD and other conditions. It was developed in the 1980’s by a psychologist interested in how our brains could be ‘reprogrammed’ to overcome distressing memories and thoughts. Today, it's r...

Humanistic counselling and person-centred therapy are two forms of therapy that focus on the individual as a whole person and their unique experiences. These therapies aim to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and emotions and work towards personal growth and self-awareness. In this blo...

Systemic therapy is a unique approach that focuses on the individual in the context of their relationships with others. It recognises that an individual is not isolated but is part of a larger unit or system, such as a family, couple, organisation, or community. The goal of systemic therapy is to identify the deep-rooted patterns within a person's ...

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition with several types, including Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. Despite its complexities, it is important to remember that each person's experience with bipolar disorder is unique. Symptoms can range from feeling highly energised and motivated to feeling irritable and angry. Bipolar 1 disorder The defining characteris...

Suspecting your child or teenager of intentionally harming themselves can be incredibly distressing for any parent, especially as it isn't always obvious how best to help them. While we understand the difficulties this can bring, please remember that support is available. Self-harm, which includes self-poisoning and self-injury, is intentionally be...

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects people of all ages, including young people. In the UK, it's estimated that one in ten children and teenagers experience depression. Treatment for young people with depression can be highly effective and usually involves a combination of talking therapy and learning techniques to improve mo...

Depression is a common and treatable mood disorder that affects individuals of all ages, races, and genders. It's important to understand that depression differs from normal feelings of sadness, and seeking support from a qualified professional is the most effective first step to regaining control. Sadness Comes and goes Often lasts only a few hour...

Transactional Analysis, or TA for short, is a powerful tool for understanding and improving human relationships. It was developed by Dr Eric Berne in the 1950s and 60s and explores how people communicate and interact with one another. At its core, transaction analysis is based on the idea that all human interactions can be understood as transaction...