Welcome to Anna Patel Psychotherapy’s resource centre.
Here you will find helpful articles, guidance and practical advice covering children’s emotional wellbeing, teenage mental health, parenting support and adult therapy.
Drawing on over 20 years’ experience as an integrative psychotherapist, Anna shares insights into anxiety, emotional regulation, school transitions, relationships, life changes and navigating difficult emotions.
Whether you are looking for support for your child, teenager, yourself or your family, these resources are designed to help you better understand emotions and find ways forward.
"How was school today?" "Fine." "What did you do?" "Nothing." If this conversation sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone. Many parents long to know what happened during their child's day, especially if they suspect something might be worrying them. Yet despite...
After a busy day at school, it's completely normal for children to feel tired. They've spent hours learning, concentrating, socialising and following routines, so needing time to rest is to be expected. But sometimes, what looks like tiredness is actually something...
Has your child ever walked through the front door after school and suddenly burst into tears, shouted over something small or had what feels like a complete emotional meltdown? Perhaps you've thought: "They've been absolutely fine all day—what's happened?" Or maybe...
The excitement of a new school year often brings fresh opportunities, new friendships and new routines. Yet for many families, a few weeks into September, something begins to change. Perhaps your child bursts into tears over something that seems small. Maybe they come...
Helping Your Child Build Confidence When Anxiety Feels Overwhelming As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety can feel incredibly difficult. You may find yourself wanting to take away their worries, protect them from difficult situations and make things...
How Parents Can Support a Child With OCD Without Making Anxiety Stronger When your child is anxious, your natural instinct as a parent is to help. You want to reassure them. You want to make the worry disappear. You want them to feel safe. This is a loving and...
My Child Needs Everything to Be “Just Right”: When Perfectionism Becomes Anxiety Many children want to do well. They may enjoy achieving, learning new things and feeling proud of their efforts. But for some children, the desire to do well can become overwhelming. You...
Why Do Changes in Routine Trigger Anxiety and OCD Symptoms in Children? For many children, routines provide comfort. Knowing what will happen next can help children feel safe, secure and confident. A predictable routine can answer important questions in a child’s...
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You notice the small things: The way they always want things done in a certain order The routines they follow before school or bedtime The questions they ask repeatedly The things they seem unable to move on from...
When School Routines Change: Understanding OCD and Anxiety in Children Introduction The long summer holidays can be a wonderful opportunity for rest and family time. However, for some children and teenagers, the changes in routine that come with the holidays—and then...