CBT for Children & Young People in Cheadle Hulme
When a child or teenager is struggling, it can be hard for them to explain what is happening, and hard for you to know how best to help.
I work with children from age six, teenagers and their families, offering a warm, collaborative space to make sense of difficulties and develop practical ways forward.
CBT is adapted to the young person’s age, communication style and needs, including support for distress associated with ADHD or Autism.
Understanding What Is Happening for Your Child
A young person’s difficulties may affect how they feel at home, in education or with friends. They might be finding it hard to manage worries, express their needs or feel confident in themselves.
Our work can explore:
- Anxiety, worry or fear of particular situations
- Low mood, self-doubt and feeling not good enough
- Emotional overwhelm and difficulties regulating emotions
- Communication, relationships and feeling misunderstood
- Distress associated with ADHD or Autism
I support children aged 6–11 as well as teenagers. A diagnosis is not needed. We focus on the difficulties the young person is experiencing, their strengths and what support may be helpful.
We will take time to understand their strengths, needs and the situations around them. The aim is to help them feel heard and supported while exploring changes that matter to them.
CBT Adapted to Age & Individual Needs
CBT helps us make sense of the connections between thoughts, feelings and what we do. With a younger child, we can use clear language, visual explanations and practical activities. With teenagers, we can explore the pressures they face and agree goals that feel relevant to their lives. Their interests and strengths can help us choose explanations and activities that feel engaging and meaningful.
For example, a worry about getting something wrong may lead a young person to avoid an activity. Together, we can understand the worry and practise manageable ways of approaching the situation, with support between sessions.
At the beginning of therapy, I consider your child’s developmental needs so that the materials, language and approach are suitable for them. We review this as we work together. In our first session, we also explore adjustments that help therapy work for your child, whether or not they are neurodivergent. These may include:
- A different pace or breaks
- Visual tools or written reminders
- Communication preferences and ways of processing
- Sensory needs and supports
- Small, realistic steps to practise between sessions
Where a young person is Autistic, has ADHD or suspects they may be neurodivergent, CBT respects how their brain works. Their experiences are validated, and we focus on supporting distress rather than expecting them to change harmless differences or fit someone else’s expectations.
Working Together With Parents & Carers
With younger children, parents are an essential part of therapy. You can help reinforce new ways of thinking and regulating emotions, and support your child as they try strategies in everyday life.
The level of involvement varies depending on need. We will discuss how to work together, listen to the young person’s perspective and consider what support is helpful at home and in education.
Confidentiality
We will discuss confidentiality and its limits so that you and your child understand what to expect.
Read more about confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection in the About Me section.
My experience
I am Zach Cairns, a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. My nine years of experience span residential care, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and private practice. Supporting young people and families in these settings has shaped my patient, collaborative approach.
Location, Fees & Common Questions
Sessions are weekly, last 50 minutes and cost £85. The initial 20-minute consultation is free and can be by telephone or video.
Payment is by bank transfer within 24 hours after the session. Parking is free for up to three hours at the ASDA next door.
In-person sessions are at 11 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 5AF. The room is quiet, has low-level lighting and is wheelchair accessible using a lift. Your child is welcome to bring sensory supports that help them feel comfortable.
What happens in the consultation?
There is space to share a little about what your child is experiencing, so I can understand whether I can support them. You can ask questions about therapy, parent involvement and your next steps.
Do you offer online sessions for children?
Online sessions are available, but I generally recommend meeting in person for younger children. We can discuss what is likely to work best for your child.
How many sessions will my child need?
This depends on their needs and the difficulties we are working on. We agree an initial plan and review it together; there is no single course length for every child.
Does my child need a diagnosis?
No. I support young people with the difficulties described on this website, whether or not they have a diagnosis. The consultation helps us explore what is happening and whether my support is suitable.
Taking the next step
You do not need to know exactly what your child needs before getting in touch. We can begin by talking about what has been happening and considering whether working together feels right.