Hello, my name is Paulina Kotowska, and I am a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist.
I support children, young people and their families in coping with emotions, stress and life’s challenges. Sometimes it is the child who needs support, and sometimes it is the parent who needs guidance to better understand what their child is experiencing and how to help them effectively.
Many parents initially seek support from a psychologist when they notice their child is struggling. However, when difficulties persist over time or begin to affect everyday life, psychotherapy can provide a valuable next step. Through regular, supportive sessions, children have the opportunity to better understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies and build confidence in a safe, caring environment.
If you have noticed that your child:
- has difficulty concentrating or struggles with learning,
- often reacts with anger, frustration or aggression,
- has been feeling low, withdrawn or unusually anxious for some time,
- experiences difficulties in relationships with family members or peers,
- or continues to struggle with managing their emotions despite the support they receive,
I help children and their parents better understand emotions, so everyday life can become calmer and easier.
No special preparation is required.
It may be helpful to think about:
- what concerns you most,
- when the difficulties first began,
- the situations in which they occur most often.
If you have any relevant documents, such as school reports, assessments or previous diagnostic reports, you are welcome to bring them with you, but this is entirely optional.
The most important thing is simply to come with the concerns that matter to you and your child right now. Together, we will take the time to understand the situation and discuss the best way forward.
The first appointment is a parent consultation and takes place without your child.
During this session, we will discuss:
- what concerns you most,
- how your child is functioning in their daily life,
- when the difficulties first began.
Based on this conversation, we will explore the situation together and agree on the most appropriate next steps and the type of support that may be helpful.
Your child’s first individual therapy session takes place at the next appointment. This initial session is designed to help us get to know one another and is tailored to your child’s age and developmental stage. Depending on their needs, it may include conversation, play-based activities or gentle observation in a safe and supportive environment.
Many childhood behaviours-such as anger, defiance or withdrawal-are a normal part of growing up. The key difference usually lies in their intensity, frequency and the extent to which they affect your child’s daily life and your family as a whole.
If you’re unsure, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. During a consultation, we can discuss your concerns in a calm and supportive environment, helping you determine whether your child’s behaviour falls within the typical range of development or whether additional support may be beneficial.
It may be a good time to seek support if:
- your child’s difficulties have continued for an extended period,
- the problems are becoming more severe instead of improving,
- they are affecting your child’s daily life, such as at home, at school or in relationships,
- you feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help your child.
Your parental instinct is also important. If you have a feeling that “something isn’t quite right,” it’s worth speaking to a professional. Trusting your intuition and seeking advice early can make a meaningful difference for both you and your child.
Not every challenging behaviour means that long-term therapy is necessary. However, if something about your child’s behaviour or emotional wellbeing concerns you, it is worth speaking to a specialist—even if you’re not sure whether it is a “serious problem.”
In many cases, a single consultation can help you better understand what is happening and provide practical guidance on the best way forward. A consultation does not commit you or your child to starting therapy—it can simply offer valuable support and reassurance for you as a parent.
