Children’s Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Helping Your Child Thrive
A Parent’s Guide to CBT for Children and Young People
Children today face a wide range of challenges, from academic pressure and social difficulties to worries about the world around them. These concerns can take a toll on their mental health and emotional well-being. If your child is struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, behavioural issues, or another mental health condition, you may be wondering if therapy sessions can help.
One highly effective, evidence-based approach is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children. This form of talk therapy is widely recognised for its ability to help children and adolescents manage emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. CBT works by identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
In this guide, we’ll explore how CBT for children works, which mental health conditions it can help with, and what you can expect from a course of therapy.
What Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Unlike some therapies that focus on past experiences, CBT works by equipping children with practical skills to manage their current challenges and navigate future obstacles.
CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for various mental health conditions in children and young people, including:
✔ Anxiety disorders – including social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and separation anxiety.
✔ Depression – helping children recognise and change negative thought patterns that contribute to low mood.
✔ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – reducing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours through exposure therapy and response prevention techniques.
✔ Low self-esteem – challenging unhelpful thoughts and fostering a more positive self-image.
✔ Behavioural problems – helping children understand and regulate their emotions to manage anger, tantrums, and outbursts more effectively.
CBT is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for treating anxiety disorders, OCD, and depression in children. Finding a CBT therapist who follows NICE guidelines ensures your child receives the highest standard of care.
How Does CBT Work for Children?
CBT is tailored to suit a child’s age, developmental stage, and specific needs. A typical course of CBT sessions consists of a number of sessions, often between 6 and 20, depending on the severity of the issue. These therapy sessions are structured, engaging, and designed to make therapy accessible for children and adolescents.
How a Therapist Works with Children in CBT Sessions
CBT uses interactive techniques to engage children and make therapy effective. These may include:
Play Therapy – For younger children, therapy sessions often incorporate play-based activities to help them express their emotions and practise coping skills.
Cognitive Restructuring – Therapists help children identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more realistic and positive perspectives.
Exposure Therapy – For children with phobias or anxiety disorders, gradual exposure to their fears in a controlled, supportive environment can help reduce distress over time.
Relaxation Techniques – Children are taught breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and other strategies to help them manage stress and anxiety in the moment.
CBT works best when family members are involved. Parents can support their child’s progress by reinforcing techniques learned during therapy sessions.
How Many CBT Sessions Are Needed?
The number of sessions required varies depending on the child’s needs. A mild issue, such as occasional anxiety, may require as few as 6 sessions, while more complex mental health conditions might need 12 to 20 sessions. Each session typically lasts 50 minutes and occurs weekly or fortnightly.
The Benefits of CBT for Children and Adolescents
CBT equips children and adolescents with long-term coping skills that support their emotional well-being. Some key benefits include:
✔ Improved emotional regulation – helping children recognise and manage their emotions more effectively.
✔ Reduced symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression – by learning coping mechanisms to handle distressing thoughts.
✔ Better problem-solving skills – teaching children how to approach challenges with confidence.
✔ Stronger self-esteem – helping children challenge negative thoughts and develop a more positive self-image.
✔ Improved relationships with family members and peers – supporting children in developing better communication and social skills.
✔ Long-term resilience – equipping children with strategies they can use throughout life.
Parental Involvement in CBT
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child’s therapy journey. Many therapists encourage family members to participate by:
Reinforcing skills at home – Practising CBT strategies outside of therapy sessions.
Modelling healthy coping mechanisms – Demonstrating how to manage stress and emotions in daily life.
Using structured activities – Completing worksheets and exercises provided during therapy.
Open communication between parents, children, and therapists is key to successful treatment.
How to Support Your Child Through CBT
If your child is starting CBT sessions, here’s how you can help them get the most out of therapy:
Encourage Open Communication – Let your child know therapy is a safe space to express their feelings.
Practice CBT Techniques at Home – Work with your child to reinforce strategies learned in therapy sessions.
Use CBT Apps for Kids – Digital tools can make practising CBT techniques more engaging.
Celebrate Progress – Acknowledge even small achievements to boost confidence and motivation.
Finding a CBT Therapist for Your Child
If you're considering CBT for children, it’s essential to find a qualified therapist who specialises in treating children and adolescents. When choosing a therapist, look for:
✔ CQC-registered clinics – Ensuring a high standard of care.
✔ CBT therapists with experience working with young people.
✔ Evidence-based treatment following NICE guidelines.
At Matter of Health (MOH), we provide:
Personalised CBT therapy for children and young people.
Experienced therapists who specialise in childhood mental health conditions.
Flexible online CBT sessions.
Take the First Step Towards Your Child’s Mental Well-Being
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but CBT for children has been shown to be an effective treatment for improving emotional resilience and mental well-being.
At Matter of Health, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our compassionate team of CBT therapists provides expert support tailored to your child’s needs.
Contact us today to learn how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for children can help your child build confidence, manage emotions, and thrive in their daily life.
