Growing up can bring many challenges. School pressures, friendships, family changes, social media, and academic expectations can all impact confidence, emotions, and wellbeing.

At Shire Therapies, we support children and young people to make sense of their experiences, manage difficult feelings, and develop healthy ways of coping.

Therapy provides a safe, non-judgemental space to explore thoughts and emotions — helping young people understand themselves and feel more secure in who they are.

Our experienced and accredited therapists use a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to the child’s age, development, and needs. These may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helping children understand and manage unhelpful thoughts and behaviours

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – encouraging flexibility, self-awareness, and confidence

• Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – building self-kindness and resilience

• EMDR – supporting recovery from trauma or distressing experiences

Therapy can help children and young people to:

• Manage anxiety, low mood, and stress

• Improve confidence and self-esteem

• Cope with change, loss, or bullying

• Understand and express emotions more effectively

• Strengthen relationships and communication

Every young person’s experience is unique, but some of the most common reasons for seeking therapy include:

• Anxiety or worry

• Low mood or withdrawal

• Exam or school stress

• Friendship or relationship difficulties

• Low self-esteem or confidence

• Family conflict or change (e.g. separation, relocation)

• Traumatic experiences or loss

• Behavioural or emotional difficulties

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You can read more about each of these on our Issues We Help Withpage.

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We offer therapy for children and young people aged 8 and above.

Sessions last around 50 minutes and can take place:

• In person at our Kidlington practice, or

• Online across the UK.

Appointments are available during the day, after school, in the evenings, and on some weekends, to suit family schedules.

Parents or carers are often involved at the start and end of therapy to ensure the young person feels supported, though the main focus remains on building a trusting and confidential therapeutic relationship.