The pre-teen years can be a time of significant emotional, social and developmental change. Between childhood and adolescence, young people begin to understand themselves and the world in new ways, while still needing the safety, stability, creativity and emotional support of childhood.
For some pre-teens, these changes can feel overwhelming. Difficult feelings are not always easy to put into words, and many young people communicate their inner world through behaviour, creativity, play, withdrawal, or physical symptoms rather than direct conversation.
I offer a safe, supportive and creative therapeutic space for pre-teens aged 8–12, where they can explore emotions, experiences and challenges in a way that feels natural and developmentally appropriate. My approach is integrative and client-centred, meaning I adapt the therapeutic process to meet the unique needs, personality and pace of each young person.
HOW I WORK
I hold an MSc in Art Psychotherapy (working with young people) and have experience working in both school settings and private practice.
Alongside talking therapy, I use a range of creative therapeutic approaches including:
- Art making
- Clay work
- Sand tray therapy
- Storytelling
- Creative play
- Visual and sensory expression
- Emotional Regulation techniques
Creative therapies provide a way for pre-teens to communicate experiences and emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. The focus is not on artistic ability or producing finished work, but on offering a safe and supportive space for expression, reflection, and emotional understanding.
Some young people prefer to talk, while others communicate more naturally through imagery, metaphor, stories or symbolic play. Therapy is always adapted to suit the individual, often combining creative and verbal approaches in a way that feels most supportive.
I work collaboratively and sensitively, prioritising a trusting therapeutic relationship where the young person feels heard, respected and emotionally safe.
CHALLENGES FACING PRE-TEENS
Pre-teens are navigating an increasingly complex world. Alongside normal developmental changes, many experience pressures relating to:
- Friendship difficulties and social exclusion
- Anxiety and worry
- School stress or academic pressure
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Emotional overwhelm
- Family separation or change
- Bullying
- Neurodiversity-related challenges
- Grief or loss
- Difficulties regulating emotions
- Identity and belonging
- Social media and online pressures
- Transitioning from primary to secondary school
At this stage, emotions are often expressed through behaviour rather than words. A young person may not yet have the language or self-understanding to explain what they are experiencing.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
Supporting a pre-teen through emotional or behavioural difficulties can feel challenging and uncertain. Parents and caregivers are often doing their best while trying to understand changes that may feel sudden or difficult to interpret.
Therapy provides support not only for the young person, but also within the wider family context. Caregivers play an important role in a child’s emotional wellbeing, and I aim to work collaboratively and sensitively with families throughout the therapeutic process.
An initial parent consultation provides space to discuss concerns, background history, and any questions about therapy. This also helps build a shared understanding of the young person’s needs, strengths, and current difficulties.
Parents and caregivers often notice changes before a child is able to express that they are struggling. Some signs may include:
- Increased anxiety or excessive worrying
- Changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, or eating
- Withdrawal from friends, activities, or social connection
- Emotional outbursts, irritability, or difficulty regulating emotions
- Low confidence or high self-criticism
- School refusal or difficulties attending school
- Physical complaints (e.g. headaches, stomach aches)
- Difficulty managing emotions or expressing feelings verbally
- Struggles with friendships, school, or peer relationships
- Difficulties coping with change, transitions, or family stress
- Appearing overwhelmed, withdrawn, or emotionally stuck
Pre-teens are still developing the emotional language and insight needed to understand and communicate their inner world. Creative psychotherapy can help bridge this gap, offering a safe and developmentally appropriate way for them to process experiences.
Parents and caregivers do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. Seeking support can be an important step in helping a young person feel understood, supported, and better able to navigate this stage of development.
A SUPPORTIVE SPACE FOR GROWTH
Confidentiality is an essential part of building trust within the therapeutic relationship. The young person needs to feel safe knowing they can speak openly and honestly during sessions.
At the same time, I understand the importance of keeping parents and caregivers supported and informed. Following the initial intake, parent feedback or review sessions can be arranged when needed. These sessions are conducted either:
- With the young person present, or
- With the young person’s knowledge and consent
This approach helps maintain trust while encouraging open communication and collaborative support around the young person’s wellbeing.
There are some important exceptions to confidentiality, particularly where there are concerns regarding safety or risk of harm. These limits to confidentiality are discussed clearly at the beginning of the therapeutic process.
Every young person’s experience is unique. Some benefit from short-term support around a specific difficulty, while others engage in longer-term therapy to build emotional resilience, self-understanding and confidence.
My aim is to provide a calm, creative and accepting environment where pre-teens can explore their feelings safely, strengthen their sense of self, and feel supported through this important stage of development.
