Child Therapy and Psychology in Tunbridge Wells

Our specialist child psychologists are dedicated to working with children, teenagers, and their families. We offer child therapy in Tunbridge Wells, with clients from Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and across Kent.

We work with children and young people from age 3 to 18, providing tailored psychological support for anxiety, behavioural challenges, trauma, school difficulties, and a wide range of emotional and developmental needs.

How we can help

We offer evidence-based psychological therapy for a wide range of difficulties affecting children and teenagers, including:

Anxiety, phobias, and excessive worries
Low mood and depression
School refusal and exam anxiety
Social anxiety and confidence issues
Emotional regulation difficulties, including overwhelm and frustration
Self-esteem and confidence

Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Behavioural challenges
Family changes, such as parental separation or bereavement
Physical health conditions and chronic illness
ADHD and autism support
Identity and sense of self

Common difficulties we see in children and teenagers

Anxiety in children and teenagers

Anxiety is one of the most common reasons families come to us. It can show up differently depending on age: younger children may become clingy, tearful, or complain of tummy aches, while teenagers may withdraw, avoid social situations, or struggle with sleep. We see children with generalised worry, specific phobias, social anxiety, health anxiety, and panic attacks. Therapy helps your child understand what anxiety is doing in their body and mind, and gives them practical tools to manage it.

School refusal and exam stress

When a child is reluctant or refusing to attend school, it can feel overwhelming for the whole family. School refusal is often linked to anxiety, bullying, social difficulties, or a sense of not coping. We work with the child and family to understand what is driving the avoidance, build confidence gradually, and support a return to school at a pace that feels manageable. For exam anxiety, we help teenagers develop strategies to manage pressure without it becoming paralysing.

ADHD and autism

We recognise that neurodivergent children and young people may experience the world differently, and we adapt our approach to their unique strengths and needs. This can include support for emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, social relationships, and the challenges that can arise in education or daily life. We do not carry out diagnostic assessments for ADHD or autism, but we provide therapeutic support for children who have a diagnosis or are waiting for one.

Trauma and difficult experiences

Children can be affected by traumatic events including accidents, bereavement, family breakdown, bullying, medical procedures, or witnessing distressing events. Trauma in children does not always look the way adults expect: it may show up as behavioural changes, nightmares, regression, anger, or withdrawal. Our psychologists are trained in EMDR and trauma-focused CBT adapted for children, helping them process difficult experiences safely.

Behaviour that communicates distress

When a child is struggling emotionally, it often shows up in their behaviour. They may become more withdrawn, feel overwhelmed by strong emotions, resist routines, or struggle to express what they need. These responses usually signal underlying needs, whether that is anxiety, frustration, sensory overload, or feeling misunderstood. We work with the child and family together to understand what is driving the behaviour, build connection, and find ways forward that support everyone.

Low mood and withdrawal

Teenagers in particular may experience persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, irritability, or withdrawal from friends and family. Depression in young people can look different from depression in adults, and is sometimes mistaken for laziness or typical teenage behaviour. Early intervention makes a real difference, and therapy can help your teenager reconnect with the things that matter to them.

What to expect from therapy

The first appointment

Therapy begins with an initial assessment, usually attended by the child or young person together with their parent or guardian. We listen to your child's story, understand your family's perspective, discuss goals, and think together about how parents might be involved. From there, we co-create a personalised plan, tailored to your child's age, strengths, and goals.

How sessions work

Sessions are 50 minutes and take place weekly or fortnightly. For younger children (aged 3 to around 10), sessions often involve play, drawing, storytelling, and creative activities. For teenagers, sessions are more conversational, drawing on evidence-based approaches. We also offer parent-only and family sessions where helpful.

How long therapy takes

The number of sessions depends on the nature and complexity of the difficulty. For focused issues such as a specific phobia or exam anxiety, 6 to 12 sessions is common. For more complex difficulties like trauma or ongoing anxiety, 12 to 16 sessions or more may be helpful. We review progress with you regularly.

Face-to-face and online

We offer both face-to-face sessions at our Tunbridge Wells practice and online sessions via secure video for families across Kent and beyond. Online therapy can work well for older children and teenagers. For younger children, face-to-face sessions are often more effective as they allow for play-based and creative approaches.

Supporting parents & families

When a child or teenager is struggling, the whole family can feel the impact. Our Clinical Psychologists work closely with parents and carers to understand what's happening beneath the behaviour, emotion, or worry you're seeing.

We offer space to think together about what your child needs, how best to respond, and how to support change at home. Many parents tell us that having expert guidance helps them feel calmer, more confident, and better able to support their child's wellbeing.

A personalised approach

Every child is different, and we do not use a one-size-fits-all approach. Therapy is adapted to your child's age, personality, strengths, and the specific difficulties they are facing. For younger children, this might mean using play and stories. For teenagers, it might mean working with music, art, or structured conversation.

We also consider the wider context: school, friendships, family dynamics, and any other factors that may be contributing to your child's difficulties.

Evidence-based therapy

We use well-established, research-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and EMDR, each adapted for the child or teenager's age and needs.

Whether sessions are in person or online, your child is encouraged to express themselves in ways that feel natural: through talk, drawing, storytelling, play, or mindfulness. Our goal is to make therapy feel safe, supportive, and accessible.

Meet your child psychologists

Our children's and young people's team includes psychologists with specialist training in child and adolescent mental health. We match your child with the right psychologist for their age and needs.

Dr Jo Webber

Jo has 15 years of NHS experience working primarily with children, young people, and families. She specialises in play-based and narrative approaches with younger children, and in trauma work with both children and parents.

Dr Emily Carter

Emily currently works in a CAMHS team and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Children and Young People's Psychological Wellbeing Practice from King's College London. She has specialist EMDR training for children and young people.

Dr Natalia Dylewska

Natalia works with young people and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. She has a particular interest in relational trauma and the connection between mind and body.

Dr Naomi Thrower

Naomi supports young people and adults with anxiety, low mood, trauma, and emotional regulation. She works in a warm, person-centred way, drawing on existing strengths and helping clients live a life that feels meaningful.

Dr Maya Kuhl

Maya works with teenagers and adults face to face in Tunbridge Wells. She has a particular interest in relationships and emotional worlds, and over eight years of experience supporting individuals of all ages across a variety of settings.

Dr Tamsin Lovell

Tamsin has over ten years of NHS experience working across the lifespan. She specialises in supporting young people and adults with emotional regulation, self-esteem, and relational difficulties, often stemming from earlier life experiences.

Meet the full team

Frequently asked questions

What age children do you work with?

We work with children and young people from age 3 through to 18. For younger children, we use play-based and creative approaches. For teenagers, sessions are more conversational, drawing on evidence-based therapies adapted for adolescents. We also offer parent and family sessions alongside individual work.

How many sessions will my child need?

The number of sessions depends on your child's needs and the nature of the difficulty. For focused issues such as a specific phobia or exam anxiety, 6 to 12 sessions is common. For more complex difficulties like trauma, ongoing anxiety, or behavioural challenges, 12 to 16 sessions or more may be helpful. Your psychologist will discuss a recommended plan at the initial assessment.

What happens in a first appointment with a child psychologist?

The first session is an initial assessment, usually attended by the child or young person together with their parent or guardian. We listen to your child's story, understand your family's perspective, and discuss what you hope therapy will achieve. From there, we create a personalised plan outlining who participates, how often sessions will take place, and what the focus will be.

Do you offer online therapy for children?

Yes, we offer both face-to-face sessions at our Tunbridge Wells practice and online sessions via secure video. Online therapy can work well for older children and teenagers, and offers flexibility for families across Kent. For younger children, face-to-face sessions are often more effective as they allow for play-based and creative approaches.

How do I know if my child needs a psychologist?

If your child's emotional or behavioural difficulties are affecting their daily life, school, friendships, or family relationships, it may be time to seek professional support. Signs to look for include persistent anxiety or worry, withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, school refusal, frequent emotional outbursts, or ongoing low mood. A Clinical Psychologist can assess your child's needs and recommend the right approach.

What is the difference between a child psychologist and a counsellor?

Clinical Psychologists hold a doctoral-level qualification and are trained to assess and treat a wider range of psychological difficulties, including complex presentations such as trauma, neurodevelopmental difficulties, and co-occurring mental health difficulties. They are regulated by the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council). Counsellors provide valuable support for many difficulties, but a Clinical Psychologist may be more appropriate when a child's needs are complex or when specialist assessment is required.