FAQs
At Collywobbles, we understand that starting therapy can feel like a big step. We’re here to help guide you through the process and answer some of the questions parents often have. We connect you with skilled therapists who offer thoughtful, meaningful support, drawing on creative and evidence-based approaches to meet each child or family’s needs.
General/For Adults
What types of therapy do you offer for adults?
Therapists working with Collywobbles offer a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs, including:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – often used to support anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and more
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – supporting the processing of trauma and distressing experiences
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Creative and Expressive Approaches – incorporating art, movement, and play to support self-exploration and healing
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Person-Centred and Psychodynamic Approaches – supporting deeper emotional processing and self-awareness
Many therapists take a whole-person approach, working with the mind, body, and nervous system to support healing and resilience.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, low, or finding it difficult to move forward from past experiences. It can also support personal development, emotional growth, and building tools to navigate life’s challenges.
If you’re unsure, we can help you take the first step by connecting you with a therapist who can explore your needs with you and help you decide whether therapy feels like the right approach at this time.
What can I expect in my first session?
Your first session is an opportunity to talk through your concerns, goals, and what you’d like from therapy. Your therapist will explain how sessions work and answer any questions you may have. There’s no pressure — you can move at a pace that feels right for you, working collaboratively with your therapist in a way that feels comfortable and supportive.
How long does therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on individual needs. Some people find short-term therapy (6-12 sessions) helpful for specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term support for deeper work. Your therapist will discuss a plan that suits you.
Do you offer online therapy?
Therapists working with Collywobbles offer both in-person and online sessions via secure platforms, so you can access support in a way that works best for you.
How do I know if therapy is working?
Therapy isn’t always a straight path — it can take time, and progress may not always be immediately obvious. Over time, you may begin to notice positive changes in your child’s emotions, behaviours, and coping skills.
Your therapist will regularly review progress with you and maintain open communication, helping to ensure the work stays aligned with your child’s needs.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No, you don’t need a referral. You can get in touch to be connected with a therapist who will arrange an appointment with you directly.
If you are under the care of a GP or psychiatrist, your therapist may work alongside them where appropriate to support your care.
What if I don’t feel comfortable with my therapist?
A strong therapeutic relationship is an important part of effective therapy. If you feel that your therapist may not be the right fit, you are encouraged to discuss this openly with them.
If needed, we can support you in finding another therapist within the Collywobbles network who may be better suited to your needs.
How do I get started?
Simply get in touch at enquiries@collywobblesltd.com or via our website contact form. We’ll gather a little information about your needs and connect you with a therapist who will be in touch to arrange an initial appointment.
We understand that starting therapy can bring up lots of questions. We’re here to help guide you through the process and support you in taking the first step.
If you’d like to chat further, feel free to reach out — we can help connect you with a therapist who can support you moving forward.
For Teenagers
Is therapy a judgment-free space for teenagers?
Absolutely. Therapists working with Collywobbles aim to create a supportive and non-judgemental environment where teenagers can feel safe to express themselves openly.
What issues can teenage therapy address?
Teenagers can explore a range of topics with their therapist, from school stress and relationships to identity and future goals. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for self-discovery.
Can I, as a parent, be involved in my teenager's therapy?
Parental involvement can be encouraged where appropriate, based on your teenager’s comfort and preferences. Your therapist will work collaboratively with both the young person and their parent or carer where helpful, while also respecting the teenager’s need for independence and confidentiality.
If a young person prefers to work more independently, this will be respected and supported within the therapeutic process.
How is therapy adapted for teenagers' unique needs?
Therapists tailor their approach to resonate with teenagers, incorporating their interests, preferences, and, where appropriate, technology to support engagement and connection.
Are therapy sessions confidential for teenagers?
Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic process. Your therapist will discuss confidentiality with both the young person and their parent or carer, helping to balance privacy with appropriate information-sharing where needed and with consent.
For Children
Can my child benefit from individual therapy?
Absolutely. Individual therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for your child to explore their feelings, build resilience, and develop coping skills with the guidance of their therapist.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
Children may benefit from therapy if they are experiencing challenges at school, changes in behaviour, or difficulty expressing emotions. A therapist can support them in making sense of these experiences and developing ways to cope, helping to support their overall wellbeing.
What can my child expect in a therapy session?
Sessions are tailored by your therapist to be engaging and age-appropriate. Through play, art, and conversation, your child can express themselves in a way that feels comfortable and natural for them.
Is therapy only for specific issues, or can it be a general support for my child?
Therapy can address specific concerns or provide general support for emotional growth and resilience. Your therapist will tailor the approach to meet individual needs, creating a flexible and personalised experience.
What type of therapy is right for my child?
Therapists working with Collywobbles offer a range of approaches, tailored to the individual needs of each child:
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Play Therapy – A child-led approach where play is used as a way to explore emotions, work through difficulties, and build resilience. Sessions typically last around 50 minutes.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – A structured approach used to support the processing of traumatic memories. When processing is underway, sessions may extend to around 90 minutes, depending on the child’s needs.
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CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – A practical, goal-focused approach that helps children recognise and reshape unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Sessions typically last around 50–60 minutes.
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Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Techniques that support children in staying present, managing emotions, and building a sense of calm. These may be integrated into other approaches or used on their own.
Every child is unique. Your therapist will explore the most appropriate approach with you during the initial consultation, based on your child’s needs and goals.
How long do therapy sessions for children typically last?
The standard therapy hour is between 50-60 minutes, depending on the child's needs.
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Play Therapy: 50 minutes
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CBT & Mindfulness-Based Therapy: 50-60 minutes
3. EMDR: Can extend to 90 minutes when deeper processing is appropriate
Will I be in the room with my child?
Therapy is often most effective when children feel safe, independent, and able to express themselves freely. However, it is recognised that some children may need a caregiver present at the start.
Your therapist will work with you and your child to support a gradual transition towards independence, following the child’s pace and ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout.
How long does therapy take?
Healing is a process, and there’s no quick fix. Effective therapy often involves engagement, commitment, and consistency over time. Some children may benefit from short-term support, while others may need longer-term input.
Your therapist will regularly review progress with you and discuss the most appropriate way forward, based on your child’s needs.
Is therapy just talking?
Not at all. Therapy can be interactive, creative, and engaging. Depending on your child’s needs, sessions may involve play, art, storytelling, movement, mindfulness, or more structured therapeutic approaches.
Your therapist will use evidence-based methods while creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and approachable for your child.
How do I know if therapy is working?
Therapy isn’t always a straight path — it can take time, and progress may not always be immediately obvious. Over time, you may begin to notice positive changes in your child’s emotions, behaviours, and coping skills.
Your therapist will provide regular feedback and maintain open communication with you, helping to keep the work aligned with your child’s needs.