Working with the ‘whole child’ is crucial to mental health success

growing up is complex, but that finding the right support doesn't have to be

As families navigate the complex challenges of modern day childhood and adolescence, The Anchor Practice offers parents a different approach to mental health support - one that recognises that growing up is complex, but that finding the right support doesn't have to be.

Located in central Edinburgh, the practice brings together a team of highly trained clinicians who specialise in working with the full spectrum of childhood and teenage mental health concerns, from anxiety and school-related stress to mood issues and family conflict. 

A team of highly trained clinicians who specialise in working with the full spectrum of childhood and teenage mental health concerns.

What sets them apart is their commitment to not just managing symptoms but addressing the deeper developmental and relational foundations of a child's wellbeing.

"We don't offer quick fixes," explains The Anchor Practice's Clinical Director and Consultant Child Psychotherapist Paul Bell. "We offer meaningful support grounded in years of experience and evidence-based, relational thinking that recognises that each child and family is unique."

The practice's approach is firmly rooted in research-backed therapeutic methods, with particular expertise in psychodynamic and developmental work. This evidence-based foundation enables clinicians to work with the whole child, understanding how early experiences, relationships, personality, and developmental stages all contribute to current challenges.

Research consistently demonstrates that early intervention is crucial for positive outcomes in children's mental health. Paul’s team is specifically trained and experienced in working with school-aged children and are always mindful that these formative years are critical for emotional and psychological development. 

The Anchor Practice, clinicians are also trained specifically in psychodynamic psychotherapy

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches for this age group focus on strengthening parent-child relationships through insight and understanding, supporting healthy attachment, and addressing developmental concerns before they become entrenched patterns.

"The earlier we can provide support, the more effectively we can help children develop the emotional resources they need for life," adds senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Jo Guiney. "Our work with young children often involves supporting parents to understand their child's emotional world and respond in ways that promote healthy development. We keep the parent’s wellbeing in mind too - worrying about a child can really take its toll on parents and ensuring they are also supported and involved can really make a difference.”

Many practices exclusively offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a first-line treatment and whilst in some cases this is offered by The Anchor Practice, clinicians are also trained specifically in psychodynamic psychotherapy - an approach that research increasingly shows offers unique advantages, particularly for children and adolescents.

Unlike CBT, which focuses primarily on changing thoughts and behaviours, modern psychodynamic therapy explores deeper emotional and relational patterns that drive a child's difficulties, often drawing upon attachment theory and neuroscientific research. It is through integrating these theories that modern psychodynamic theory can gain a broad yet nuanced understanding of each child’s development in the context of their particular family. 

Research published in multiple leading clinical journals demonstrates that psychodynamic therapy can produce lasting change that continues to grow even after treatment ends - something that distinguishes it from more symptom-focused approaches.

The Edinburgh-based practice recognises that children's mental health cannot be separated from family wellbeing. 

Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, friendship issues, identity questions, or difficulty adjusting to school life, the practice provides what many parents describe as desperately needed: thoughtful, ethical, evidence-based care without gimmicks or generic advice.

"We believe that therapy should feel safe, compassionate, and personal," said Paul. "Every child and family deserve space to think, feel, and grow at their own pace, and be supported by clinicians who understand both the complexity of development and the power of therapeutic relationships."

The practice's central Edinburgh location makes it accessible to families across the city and surrounding areas, while their calm, welcoming environment provides a stark contrast to clinical or institutional settings that can feel intimidating to young people and their families.

For more information about The Anchor Practice's services, visit www.theanchorpractice.co.uk or call 0131 5579894.