When a young person is struggling emotionally, it can affect every part of daily life. School becomes harder, friendships feel overwhelming, and even simple routines can feel exhausting. Parents often recognise that something has changed, but knowing how to help isn’t always straightforward.
Growing Minds Therapy UK offers specialist support for children and teenagers experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, and other emotional difficulties. Based in Chichester, the practice focuses on helping young people develop practical tools that allow them to understand and manage their feelings more effectively.
Specialist Support for Children and Teenagers
Growing Minds Therapy UK is run by Melissa, a BABCP-accredited Child and Young Person Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.
With more than 20 years of experience working with young people, Melissa combines expertise from both education and clinical settings. Before becoming a therapist, she worked as a primary school teacher and wellbeing specialist, giving her valuable insight into how emotional difficulties affect children in school environments.
Her clinical training includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment for Children and Young People from the University of Reading, along with advanced training in clinical practice and supervision.
How CBT Supports Mental Health
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches for treating anxiety and depression in young people. It helps individuals understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact.
Through therapy, young people learn to recognise patterns that contribute to distress and develop healthier ways of responding to challenges.
This approach is widely used within NHS mental health services and is recommended by NICE guidelines for treating many common psychological difficulties.
Difficulties Addressed in Therapy
Growing Minds Therapy UK works with a wide range of emotional challenges affecting children and teenagers, including:
• Generalised anxiety
• Social anxiety
• School refusal
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Trauma-related difficulties
Therapy focuses on building practical skills that young people can continue using long after sessions have finished.
Arranging an Initial Consultation
Families interested in exploring therapy can start with a free 20-minute consultation call. This provides an opportunity to discuss concerns and determine whether the service is a good fit.
Sessions are available either face-to-face in Chichester or online for families across West Sussex and Hampshire.
For more information, visit growingmindstherapy.co.uk or call +44 7913 129188.