nxiety can make a child’s world smaller. For some children and teenagers, ordinary parts of life begin to feel unsafe or overwhelming. This may include school, friendships, separation from parents, travelling, eating, exams, speaking in class, social situations or being away from home.

Anxiety may show up as panic, avoidance, reassurance-seeking, irritability, tearfulness, sleep difficulties, stomach aches, headaches, or a child saying they “can’t” do something without being able to explain why. Sometimes anxiety is obvious. At other times, it is hidden behind anger, shutdown, perfectionism, physical symptoms or school refusal.

I work with children and teenagers where anxiety, worries, social anxiety, phobias or panic are affecting school attendance, confidence, relationships or family life. I think carefully about what the anxiety may be protecting against, what has become too difficult to manage, and what support is needed at home, in school and in therapy.

My approach is psychoanalytic and biopsychosocial. This means I do not only look at the symptom. I think about the child’s emotional life, development, family relationships, school experience, neurodivergence, physical health and wider professional network.

Where helpful, I can also support parents in thinking about how to respond to anxiety without becoming trapped in cycles of reassurance, pressure, avoidance or conflict.

If you are unsure whether your child needs therapy, assessment or another form of support, a parent consultation can be a helpful first step.