Depression Therapy for Children
Recognising the Signs and Finding Support
When a child stops enjoying the things they once loved, most parents sense it long before anyone puts a name to it. The bedroom door closes more often. Homework goes unfinished. A child who used to chatter through dinner gives one-word answers instead. Parents often tell me they knew something had shifted but were not sure whether to wait it out or seek help.
In my experience across more than twenty years of clinical practice, that instinct is usually worth trusting.
How Low Mood Shows Up in Younger Children
Depression in children rarely looks the way it does in adults. Younger children may not have the language to describe sadness, so it surfaces in other ways. You might notice irritability rather than tearfulness, complaints of stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, or a reluctance to go to school.
Some children become clingy. Others withdraw from friendships they previously valued. What matters is the change from your child’s usual self, and how long it has lasted. Persistent low mood over several weeks, particularly when it affects school, friendships or family life, deserves proper attention.
ContactWhat Depression Therapy for Children Involves
Effective depression therapy for children is never a single fixed programme. At our Marylebone practice, we begin with a careful initial appointment to understand your child, your family and the history behind the difficulties. We look at what may be keeping the low mood in place, and equally at what is already helping.
From there, we agreed on a treatment plan together. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has strong evidence behind it for depressive difficulties, and many of our clinicians also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy or Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy depending on what suits the child. For younger children, we use creative and playful methods rather than expecting them to sit and talk for an hour.
We review progress informally every four sessions, so you always know where things stand.
Parents Are Part of the Work
I have never believed in treating a child in isolation. Parents and carers know their child better than anyone, and involving you strengthens the work considerably. Depending on your circumstances, this might mean parenting sessions alongside your child’s therapy, or family work where the whole household is included.
Getting in Touch
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