12 Points Psychology
Therapy for Children, Adolescents & Families
At 12 Points Psychology, we work collaboratively with children, young people, and their families to support emotional well-being in ways that are affirming, trauma-informed, and practical.
Every child and teen is different, and we work flexibly to ensure that therapy meets them where they are, rather than forcing them to fit a model that doesn’t align with their needs.
Helping Children, Teens, and Families Thrive
Noticing Changes in Your Child’s Emotions, Behaviour, or Well-Being?
Are they feeling more anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling with daily demands?
Have they become withdrawn, irritable, or less interested in things they once enjoyed?
Do they find it difficult to manage big emotions, leading to distress responses (meltdowns, shutdowns, or emotional overwhelm)?
Are they navigating challenges in friendships, social interactions, or school?
Have they experienced a major life event, such as family separation, bereavement, illness, or any transition that feels overwhelming?
Do they have unique sensory, communication, or processing needs that aren’t being well understood in their environment?
If any of these resonate, your child or teen may benefit from gentle, strengths-based support that helps them process emotions, develop strategies, and feel more connected to and confident in their identity and relationships.
How We Can Help
We believe that therapy should be safe, respectful, and affirming of every child’s unique needs. Our work is not about "fixing" behaviours or changing who they are—it’s about understanding, supporting, and empowering young people to develop skills that help them feel more confident and capable in a world that isn’t always set up with their needs in mind.
Depending on your child’s goals and preferences, therapy can support them to:
✔ Develop emotional regulation skills in a way that aligns with their nervous system and individual needs.
✔ Manage anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or social overwhelm with practical strategies.
✔ Build self-advocacy skills so they feel confident expressing their needs in school, friendships, and home life.
✔ Navigate friendships and social relationships in ways that feel safe and authentic.
✔ Understand and process big life changes (such as grief, transitions, or new diagnoses).
✔ Explore their identity in a supportive space that celebrates neurodiversity and individual strengths.
Our Approach – A Safe and Supportive Space for Young People
We know that therapy can feel daunting—both for children and their parents. That’s why we focus on creating a warm, relaxed environment where young people feel safe to talk, explore their thoughts and feelings, and learn new skills at a pace that suits them.
Our team takes a collaborative approach, working closely with parents, caregivers, and (where appropriate) schools to ensure that the support we provide is meaningful and practical in everyday life.
At 12 Points Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches (which is just a fancy way of saying they’re based on extensive research and experience) tailored to each child’s needs. These may include:
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Attachment-Based & Play Therapy Approaches (including Animal-Assisted Therapy)
We meet kids where they’re at - using play and working with our animals to create a safe, supportive space where they can build trust, express emotions, and develop security.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children understand thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in managing worries, big emotions, and everyday challenges in a practical, supportive way.
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Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation Techniques
We help children develop practical strategies to manage big emotions, build self-awareness, and feel more in control using mindfulness, grounding techniques, and regulation tools tailored to their unique needs.
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Neuro-Affirming Approaches
We celebrate neurodivergence with a strengths-based, individualised approach that respects sensory, cognitive, and communication differences—offering support that truly works with each person’s unique brain and needs.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
If you think therapy might be helpful for your child, the first step is to get in touch. You can either complete our Online Intake Form or give us a call, whichever feels easiest for you.
One of our friendly admin team—who are all specially trained in mental health support and have an encyclopaedic knowledge of our therapists and services—will reach out via phone (or email if you prefer) to:
- Listen to your concerns and gain a better understanding of what’s been happening for your child.
- Explore what kind of support might be most beneficial based on their needs, personality and availability.
- Outline the different therapy approaches we offer and help you decide on the best path forward.
If therapy feels like the right fit, we’ll book your child in with one of our clinicians, who will work with you to develop a plan that aligns with their unique needs and goals.
Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may need something longer-term. Every child is different, and we tailor our sessions accordingly—ensuring that therapy is helpful, practical, and meaningful for them.
Supporting Parents & Caregivers
When a child is navigating challenges, it can feel overwhelming for the whole family. It’s easy to become problem-focused—constantly troubleshooting behaviours, managing emotions, and trying to find the right response. But sometimes, when you're deep in the trees, it's hard to see the whole forest.
That’s where 12 Points Psychology comes in.
We work with parents and families not just to manage difficulties, but to help you reconnect, find joy, and bring back the spark that gets lost in the day-to-day stress. Kids don’t come with a manual, and there’s no single right way to parent.
Sometimes, you just need an outside perspective—someone who isn’t caught up in the daily struggles with you, who can help shift the focus from what’s wrong - to what’s possible.
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and no-one, in any other industry or role would ever be expected to do it all alone! So we’re here to help you see the bigger picture, so you can support your child while also creating a family dynamic that feels more joyful, sustainable, and connected.
Depending on your family’s needs, we can:
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To provide insights, tools, and practical strategies.
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In fostering deeper connections and more effective communication.
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To strengthening what’s already working and making space for more moments of fun, understanding, and ease (you’d be amazed at what a difference that can make all by itself!).
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That allows everyone to feel more confident, connected, and supported.
Important Information About Our Services
At 12 Points Psychology, our focus is on providing therapeutic support rather than assessments or legal reports. This means:
✔ We do not provide court reports or formal assessments.
✔ We do not see individuals who are mandated to attend therapy.
✔ If you require paperwork, such as an SEA (Special Consideration) application or supporting documentation for other services, we typically require a minimum of three sessions before we have enough information to complete the form.
Any paperwork that needs to be completed outside of session incurs an additional fee, as this work takes time outside of our regular therapeutic sessions. If you have specific documentation needs, feel free to discuss them with us—we’re happy to clarify what we can provide and any associated costs.
We appreciate your understanding and are here to support you in the ways that best align with our therapeutic services.
Get in Touch
If you’re wondering whether therapy might be the right step for your child, we’re happy to talk through any questions you have. You don’t need a referral to see us—just reach out, and we can discuss your options.
We’re here to help your child feel more confident, supported, and understood—so they can thrive, not just get by.