Child and Adolescent Therapy (Ages 5-25)

MLA Psychology specialises in therapy for children and adolescents, catering to ages 5 through 25.

We understand that this age range encompasses significant developmental stages, each with unique challenges and needs.

Our expertise lies in empathetically addressing these varied stages, from childhood through to young adulthood.

Specialising in Young

MLA Psychology specialises in therapy for children and adolescents, catering to ages 5 through 25. We understand that this age range encompasses significant developmental stages, each with unique challenges and needs. Our expertise lies in empathetically addressing these varied stages, from childhood through to young adulthood.

Tailored Therapeutic Approaches:

We offer age-appropriate and developmentally suitable therapeutic techniques. For younger children (ages 5-12), this may include Play Therapy and child-adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). For older children and adolescents (ages 13-18), approaches may involve more conversational techniques, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and mindfulness practices. For young adults (ages 19-25), we focus on strategies that support the transition to adulthood, addressing issues like identity, independence, and adult relationships.

Building a Safe and Trusting Environment:

Creating a secure and welcoming atmosphere is essential in our work with young clients. We strive to establish trust and rapport, ensuring that therapy is a space where they feel respected, heard, and understood.

Engaging with Families and Providing Parental Support:

Family involvement and parental support are key components of our approach, particularly for younger clients. We work collaboratively with parents and caregivers, offering guidance and support to enhance the child’s or adolescent’s mental health journey. This includes providing parental training and support to help families understand and effectively respond to the emotional and behavioural needs of their children.

Focus on Resilience and Growth:

Our aim is to not only address immediate concerns but also to foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and effective communication skills in our young clients. We focus on building strengths that will support them through future challenges.

Collaboration with Schools and Other Agencies

We actively collaborate with schools, universities, and other relevant agencies to ensure a holistic and consistent approach to care, adapting our support to suit each environment and stage of development.

Versatile Treatment for Diverse Conditions:

While EMDR is most widely recognised for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, its application extends to a broad range of mental health conditions. At MLA Psychology, we utilise EMDR to treat:

Anxiety disorders such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, and Social Anxiety.
Various forms of Depression including Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder.
Dissociative Disorders including Dissociative Identity Disorder and Depersonalisation/Derealisation Disorder.
Eating Disorders like Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder.
Gender Dysphoria.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders including OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Hoarding Disorder.
Personality Disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Other Trauma Disorders including Acute Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder.

EMDR Therapy Process:

EMDR therapy at MLA Psychology involves a structured eight-phase process over multiple sessions, each lasting between one and 90 minutes. The phases include:

Patient History and Information Gathering: Understanding your background and specific traumatic events or memories.
Preparation and Education: Educating about EMDR and providing tools for emotional management.
Assessment: Identifying themes, specific memories, negative beliefs from trauma, and desired positive beliefs.
Desensitisation and Reprocessing: Activating memories and guiding you through reprocessing them.
Installation: Focusing on instilling a positive belief while processing a memory.
Body Scan: Identifying physical sensations and tracking symptom reduction.
Closure and Stabilisation: Ensuring calmness and safety post-session and discussing between-session expectations.
Reevaluation and Continuing Care: Reviewing progress and adjusting future therapy goals.