Are you worried about your child’s wellbeing? Not sure if what you’re seeing is ‘normal’? Perhaps you’ve tried everything you can think of and don’t know what to do next. You might be noticing changes in your child’s mood, behaviour or motivation. They may seem withdrawn, anxious, overwhelmed or not quite themselves. You want to support them — but it’s not always clear what helps and what doesn’t. Sometimes young people also need someone outside the family to talk things through with. I’m Jannelle Dawson, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and the founder of JD Therapeutic Services. I provide online therapy and mental health support for children, adolescents and young adults (aged 10–25) across the UK, alongside guidance and practical support for parents and carers.

How I support young people and families

As a Child and Adolescent Therapist, I specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — an evidence-based approach recommended by the NHS and NICE for many common mental health difficulties. I support young people experiencing difficulties such as:

• Anxiety and stress
• Low mood and depression
• OCD
• PTSD and trauma
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty with emotional regulation

Alongside individual therapy, I can provide mental health assessments, mentoring, and parent-led CBT where appropriate. My work always considers the wider context of a young person’s life — including school, friendships, family relationships and identity. I also have significant experience supporting neurodivergent young people and their families, and provide neurodivergent affirming therapy that adapts CBT to acknowledge each young person’s needs.