Psychological
Solutions To Transform Lives
We work with individuals, organisations, public services and the courts to provide evidence-based psychological solutions that help people to live better.
Our team of therapists and Clinical Psychologists are led by Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr Maria Downs. Dr Downs founded M Downs and Associates in 2012, and since then the company has gained a reputation for uncompromising quality in the delivery of therapy, reports, education and assessments.
Therapy Services
for Children and Young People
We understand the importance of getting your child the help they need, when they need it.
We have therapists and Clinical Psychologists who specialise in working with children and young people.
Our team members can help children who are showing a variety of mental, emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.
They do so by drawing upon a range of therapy models to ensure the sessions are tailored to the individual child, and their individual needs as well as their age and level of understanding.
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Therapy Types
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Therapeutic models provided for children include Drama Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Densensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
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What can therapy help children with?
Examples include
Socially
Abuse
Attachment Issues
Bullying
Changing schools / Relocating
Communication
Confidence / Self esteem
Dependency / Co-dependency
Divorce / Separation
Empathy
Expressing Feelings
Family Dynamics
Friendships
Gender Identity
Homophobia
Identifying Feelings
Neglect
Neuro-divergence - ADHD/Autism
Parental Alienation
Racism
Self Awareness
Setting Boundaries
Sexual Abuse
Trust
Behaviourally
Addictive Behaviours
Alcohol / Substance Misuse
Anger Management
Attention / Focus
Body Image Issues
Challenging Behaviour
Difficulties at School
Following instructions
Gambling
Gaming
Motivation
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Problems with Eating / Eating disorders
Risky / Dangerous Behaviours
School Attendance
Self-harm
Sleep Problems
Social Media
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Emotionally
Aggression
Anger Management
Anxiety
Apathy
Avoidance
Depression
Emotional Regulation
Energy Levels
Exam Stress
Phobias
Grief and Loss
Health Anxiety
Jealousy
Low Mood
Self-Acceptance
Self-Esteem
Stress
Trauma / PTSD
Therapy for Children
Frequently Asked Questions
Does therapy take place online or in person? Therapy sessions can take place online and in person.
How much does therapy cost? We have a range of therapists with different rates according to experience, specialisms and training. Therapy sessions range between £90 - £180 per therapy session, and we will be able to advise of the exact cost following an initial consultation. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation.
What can therapy help with? Therapy can help children to overcome various difficulties mentally, socially, emotionally and behaviourally. These can include low mood, anxiety, confidence, difficulty with emotional regulation, relationship problems and traumatic experiences.
Can you help children with trauma? Yes. There are evidence-based therapy models for helping children with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or showing signs of difficulites after traumatic experiences. These include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Do you work therapeutically with families, parents and carers? Yes. We do have therapists who work therapeutically with families, to be able to gain insight into their child's difficulties and how best to move forward together.
Are your therapists experienced in working with children? We have team members who work therapeutically with children and who have worked therapeutically in a range of settings including NHS Hospitals and CAMH's (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), as well as in the charity sector and private practice. The therapy is tailored to the child and communicated in an age appropriate way, using subjects, interests or items that the child is likely to engage with.
When does therapy take place? In order to make therapy accessible and to reduce the impact on other commitments and schedules, we offer therapy sessions during the week and also weekends . We also have evening slots available.
Do you provide therapy for neuro-divergent children? Yes. We have therapists who specialise in working with those with ADHD, ADD, or on the ASD (Autistic) spectrum, or those exhibiting similar behaviours.
How do I pay for the therapy? Therapy sessions can be paid for by bank transfer or if you are attending the office, they can be paid by debit or credit card.
Can you accept private health care insurance? We accept private health care referrals from AXA for therapy with Dr Maria Downs. Some membership plans may include family members, such as dependants. Please contact AXA directly for a referral.