Selective Mutism Therapy in London
Helping Your Child Find their Voice
If your child talks freely at home but falls silent at school, at a birthday party or in front of relatives, you are not looking at shyness or stubbornness. You are most likely looking at an anxiety response, and it has a name. Selective mutism is a recognised anxiety condition, and it responds well to the right psychological support.
At our Marylebone practice, we work with children and young people whose worries, fears and anxiety disorders get in the way of ordinary life. Silence in certain settings is one of the ways that anxiety shows itself.
What Selective Mutism Looks Like Day to Day
Parents often describe a child who is chatty and confident in familiar company, then becomes completely still and quiet the moment a teacher asks a question. Some children whisper to one trusted friend but cannot answer the register. Others avoid ordering food, asking for the toilet at school or joining group activities. What sits underneath is not a lack of language or a refusal to co-operate. It is a freeze response to social situations that feel unsafe.
ContactWhy It Is Worth Seeking Help Sooner
Selective mutism rarely resolves by waiting it out. The longer a child avoids speaking in a particular setting, the more that avoidance becomes the pattern everyone expects, including the child. Early psychological input gives young people a way through before the silence starts to shape their friendships, their schooling and their view of themselves.
How We Approach Selective Mutism Therapy in London
We begin with an initial appointment to understand your child, your family and the history behind the difficulty. From there we agree a treatment plan together, with a suggested number of sessions, and we review progress informally every four sessions.
Our clinicians draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and behavioural approaches, working in small, achievable steps so that speaking becomes possible rather than demanded. Because progress depends heavily on what happens outside the therapy room, we also offer family and parenting support so that you feel confident responding at home and in the situations that matter most.
A Setting Built for Anxious Children
Our townhouse sits in a quiet corner of Marylebone, near the Harley Street area. The space is deliberately low in stimulation, with soft lighting and calm colours, and many young clients tell us it feels just like a house. For families who prefer it, sessions can also take place online.
Talk to Us
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