Children’s Counselling in Banbury
A safe, child-friendly space where children can express their thoughts and feelings, explore difficult emotions, build emotional resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies. Our aim is to support each child’s well-being in a way that feels nurturing, age-appropriate, and responsive to their unique needs and experiences.
Supporting Children Through Life’s Challenges
Childhood can be a time of joy and growth, but it can also come with emotional difficulties. Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, family changes, bereavement, or school-related stress, therapy can help them understand and manage their feelings in a healthy way.
At our practice in Banbury, we offer gentle, age-appropriate counselling tailored to each child’s needs and developmental stage. We help children make sense of their emotions and experiences through talking, play, creative activities, and other therapeutic techniques — always at their own pace.
A Safe and Nurturing Environment
We understand that coming to therapy can feel daunting for both children and their families. Our experienced therapists create a warm, welcoming, and child-friendly space where your child feels safe, supported, and able to express themselves freely.
We work closely with parents and carers, keeping communication open (while maintaining the child’s confidentiality) and offering guidance where needed.
Meet The Team
Our team of experienced childrens therapists, based in Banbury, is dedicated to providing compassionate and tailored support for individuals, couples, and families. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to your well-being, we’re here to help you navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. Explore our profiles below to find the right therapist for you.
Debbie
With two decades of diverse experience, I'm a BACP Accredited Counsellor and supervisor proficient in supporting individuals aged 6-18 in private practice and as a dedicated school counsellor.
Lesley
Deciding to talk about difficult issues can be complex. As a BACP registered counsellor with HR and Education experience, I provide a safe, non-judgemental space to begin healing and find a path forward.
Common Reasons for Seeking Child Therapy
Gentle, creative support for children aged 5 and up in a safe, child-friendly environment.
At Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice, we offer specialist counselling for children aged 5 and above. Our experienced therapists use play-based and creative approaches to help children express their feelings, make sense of difficult experiences, and develop healthy coping skills. Whether your child is feeling anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, or struggling with changes at home or school, we provide a calm, supportive space where they can feel safe, heard, and understood.
- Anxiety and worry
- Low mood or sadness
- Separation or divorce
- Big life changes (e.g. moving house, new sibling)
- Bereavement and loss
- Bullying or friendship issues
- School avoidance or academic pressure
- Trauma or neglect
A Personalised, Supportive Approach for Every Child
We understand that every child is different, and so is their experience of the world. That’s why our approach is always tailored to suit your child’s age, personality, and needs. Sessions are paced gently and thoughtfully, helping your child to build trust and confidence over time. We also work closely with parents and carers to offer guidance, answer questions, and ensure your child is supported both inside and outside the therapy room.
Why Choose Us?
Our therapists are qualified, DBS-checked, and experienced in working with children of different ages and backgrounds. We’re trauma-informed, neurodivergence-aware, and LGBTQIA+ inclusive. Located in North Bar House — a peaceful, historic building near Banbury town centre — our rooms provide a calm and comforting space where children can feel at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Counselling
Answers to common questions parents and carers ask when considering therapy for their child.
We understand that seeking support for your child is a big decision, and you may have questions about how counselling works, what to expect, and whether it’s the right step. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from families in Banbury and the surrounding areas.
What is children’s counselling?
Children’s counselling is a form of therapy that helps children understand and manage their emotions, behaviour, and experiences. At our practice in Banbury, we offer age-appropriate support that may include talking therapy, creative activities, and play-based techniques, depending on the child’s age and needs. The goal is to provide a safe space where children can express themselves freely, learn new coping skills, and build emotional resilience. Therapy can help with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, low mood, behavioural challenges, school stress, and family changes such as divorce or bereavement.
How do I know if my child needs therapy?
It’s normal for children to experience ups and downs, but if your child is struggling to cope, showing persistent changes in behaviour, or finding it difficult to manage their emotions, therapy could help. Signs might include frequent anxiety, withdrawal, anger outbursts, sleep problems, trouble at school, or a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. You may also notice they’re struggling after a specific event like a move, parental separation, or a loss. If you’re concerned, it’s worth having a conversation with one of our therapists in Banbury to explore whether counselling might be beneficial.
What age do you work with?
We work with children aged 5 and above. The approach we use is always tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, and personality. For younger children, therapy may focus more on play, drawing, and creative expression. Older children and teens may prefer talking through their thoughts and feelings more directly. Our Banbury-based therapists are experienced in adapting their approach to ensure children feel safe, comfortable, and fully supported throughout the process.
How does therapy help children?
Therapy helps children by giving them a safe, confidential space to process what they’re going through. It can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, boost self-esteem, and improve behaviour at home or school. It also helps children develop language for their feelings, so they feel more in control and understood. In Banbury, many families we work with find therapy also strengthens the parent-child relationship by giving insight into what their child needs emotionally. Most importantly, therapy helps children feel seen, heard, and supported — which can have a lasting positive impact.
What happens in a typical session?
Sessions are led by your child’s needs and interests. For younger children, we may use toys, art, games, or storytelling to help them express feelings indirectly. For older children and teens, sessions may involve talking, problem-solving, or exploring emotions and behaviours in more depth. Sessions last around 45–50 minutes and take place in a child-friendly therapy room in our Banbury practice. The therapist will always work at the child’s pace, creating a safe environment where they can feel relaxed and engaged.
How many sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your child’s needs and the nature of the issues they’re facing. Some children benefit from a short block of 6–8 sessions, while others may need longer-term support. We regularly review progress with you and your child to ensure therapy remains helpful and relevant. Our goal at Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice is to offer meaningful support for as long as it’s needed — no more, and no less
How do I talk to my child about starting therapy?
Be open, gentle, and reassuring. Let your child know that lots of people see a therapist and it’s a safe space just for them to talk, play, or share what’s on their mind. Avoid framing therapy as something they “need because they’ve done something wrong.” Instead, you could say something like, “Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who’s really good at helping children with big feelings.” If you need help explaining it, our Banbury therapists can guide you through that first conversation and offer age-appropriate resources.
Where are your sessions held?
All child counselling sessions are held at our practice in North Bar House, a Grade II listed Georgian building located near Banbury town centre. The space is calm, welcoming, and thoughtfully set up to make children feel at ease. Therapy rooms are private and child-friendly, and the setting includes original features like a peaceful courtyard and even a historic well — details that help create a tranquil, homely atmosphere. We’re also well connected by public transport and have parking nearby. If needed, we offer online support for parents and older children.
Our Banbury Location
Address
North Bar House
43-44 North Bar Street
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16 0TH
Directions on How to Find Us
By Car
North Bar House is conveniently located on North Bar Street, just off Banbury town centre. If driving, you can reach us via the M40 motorway (Junction 11), following signs for Banbury town centre. Once in town, North Bar Street is easily accessible from the main routes.
Parking
There is limited on-street parking available near North Bar House (time restrictions may apply). For longer stays, the nearest public car park is North Bar West Car Park, a short 3-minute walk away. Additional parking options include Bolton Road Car Park and NCP Car Park Banbury, both within a 10-minute walk.
By Train
Banbury Railway Station is well connected by major rail routes, including direct services from London Marylebone, Birmingham, and Oxford. North Bar House is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the station for a short ride to the location.
By Bus
Banbury is served by several bus routes connecting the surrounding areas. The nearest bus stops to North Bar House are on North Bar Street and Southam Road, just a few minutes’ walk away.