Expert Psychological Therapy for Children:
Are Your Child’s Emotional or Behavioural Difficulties Starting to Cause You Concern?
If you’ve found your child's behaviour or emotional issues are not resolving on their own, or you’re struggling to cope, you're in the right place. I offer specialist psychological therapy for children, supporting parents and caregivers, so your family can start rebuilding a happy, safe and balanced home life.
Ages
3 - 17
Edinburgh Based
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We’ve watched our child slowly return to themselves, more resilient and self-aware.
The shift in our home has been profound. It's gone from daily distress to connection and laughter.
Over 500 children helped
Qualified Clinical Child Psychologist
Your child's behaviour or emotional struggles have reached the point where you know deep down that you can't manage this on your own anymore…
The usual strategies aren't working and the same patterns keep repeating. And outside intervention now feels like an option you ought to consider.
Something has to change.
Are you having daily battles that leave you and your child exhausted?
Explosive outbursts, constant defiance, struggles over everyday things.
Is your child shutting down completely?
They won't talk, won't engage, and you feel powerless to connect with them anymore.
Do some of your child’s behaviours concern you?
Problematic behaviours or reactions that are escalating and not settling on their own.
Is your child overwhelmed with anxiety or sadness, affecting their ability to function?
Something happened, and they haven't been the same since. Trauma, loss, or a sudden change in the family. And nothing you try helps.
Is school calling with concerns you don't know how to address?
Suspensions, exclusions, teachers saying your child needs support that they can't provide.
And underneath all of this:
You're exhausted from trying approach after approach with no lasting change. You're carrying guilt, wondering if you should have acted sooner. And you're afraid of what happens if things continue this way.
Here's what matters:
When difficulties reach this level, it's rarely about your child "choosing" to be difficult or you doing something wrong. It's usually about something underneath they don't have the tools to manage yet - past experiences, overwhelming emotions, things they can't put into words.
What you're seeing are often the symptoms. I help address what's driving them.
Why Parents Come To Me For Help
I’m Dr Ian Burke, a clinical and forensic psychologist - I offer specialist therapy for children with complex emotional and behavioural issues which may have roots in past trauma, or for children who might be developing problematic sexual behaviours.
My dual training, extensive experience, and use of play and adventure therapy, make me uniquely qualified to support a range of cases, from the simple to the most complex.
What this means for you:
I understand what's underneath the behaviour or emotional struggles - trauma responses, developmental needs, emotional regulation difficulties.
I can work with challenging cases - concerning behaviours, complete shutdowns, or highly complex emotional issues.
I’m able to keep your child engaged in the process so that they enjoy our time together and want to keep coming back.
I’m not here to judge. You can be honest about what's actually happening, knowing you’ll be met with kindness and understanding.
How Your Child Can Benefit From Therapy
Change is possible when parents get the right support. Here’s what improves with specialist help:
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Identify - I'll share exactly what issues and traits I'm observing, including things you might not have picked up on yet.
Understand - You'll finally understand what's actually driving the behaviour or emotional struggles - not just surface symptoms, but the likely root causes. This clarity alone brings relief to most parents.
Heal - We reduce the frequency and intensity of problematic behaviour. Your child learns healthier ways to cope with overwhelming feelings. Home becomes calmer. School situations improve.
Build long-term skills - Your child develops emotional regulation tools, coping strategies, and resilience they'll use for life - not just quick fixes that fade.
Monitor - I track specific behaviours of concern to ensure we're seeing real improvements over time, adjusting the approach as needed.
Equip you with tools - As a specialist trainer for parents and professionals, I equip you with practical tools to support your child at home, so progress continues beyond our sessions.
Support you through the process - It's not just about fixing behaviour. Parenting a struggling child is isolating. I'm here to show you that you're not alone in this, and together we can give your child the help they need.
"Dr. Burke has a gift for connecting with children. Our son, who was initially very hesitant, now looks forward to his sessions. The strategies they worked on together have not only helped him but have given our whole family a new framework for communication and support."
Martyn
Parent of an 11-year-old
My Approach to Your Child's Therapy
Your child needs an approach that's tailored to what they're actually going through, not a one-size-fits-all method. Here's how we'll work together to help your child feel safer, cope better, and move towards lasting change.
Tailored to your child's needs
Every child is different. Some respond to play and creativity. Others need structured talking therapy. Some need help processing traumatic memories before behaviour can change. We'll use what actually works for your child.
Weekly 60-minute sessions
in Edinburgh
Consistency matters. Regular sessions help your child feel safe and make real progress.
You're part of the process
This isn't just about your child - it's about your whole family. You'll be able to observe throughout, and join me in regular check-ins, feedback, and guidance on how to support your child at home.
Realistic timelines
Most families see meaningful changes within 2-6 months. Some situations need longer-term support. I'll be honest about what your child needs and what you can realistically expect.
There’s no need to keep struggling alone. Take the first step towards a happier family life today.
The Tools I Draw on to Engage Your Child
My multidisciplinary training allows me to apply a range of approaches and tailor therapy to your child's needs - keeping them engaged and getting the best from every session.
Younger children express emotions through play and creativity, helping them process feelings in a safe, child-friendly way without needing words.
Play Therapy & Adventure Therapy
Guided eye movements help take the sting out of traumatic memories, so your child can move on from what's happened.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Combines sensory and attachment work to help very unsettled children feel safer in their bodies and more able to connect and engage.
Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI)
Helps children process and recover from difficult experiences, so they feel safer, calmer, and more in control.
Trauma Focused Therapies
Helps children and teens change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, so they can manage worries, moods, and reactions better.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Structured assessments help us understand your child's emotions, behaviour, and development, so we can plan the right support more effectively.
Diagnostic Tooling
Cutting-edge audio technology to help calm their nervous system and help them feel safer and more able to connect and engage. (Other clinics charge extra for this, but it’s included with our work as standard.)
Safe and Sound Protocol
We use playfulness and empathy to further connection between you and your child, which helps us nurture a secure relationship between you both.
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
Hear What Other Parents Have to Say
See what’s possible when you get the right help
(just like these families did)
He helped our child to recover from the trauma they experienced and to cope with his big feelings
"We came to Dr. Burke feeling lost and worried. Through gentle play and guidance, he helped our child to recover from the trauma they experienced and to find a way to cope with his big feelings. The shift in our home has been profound and has gone from daily distress to connection and laughter. We are endlessly grateful."
Rachel
Parent of a 4-year-old
He guided our entire family through this challenge with incredible skill and care
"When we discovered that our son was exhibiting sexual behaviours that deeply concerned us we felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to help him. We are profoundly grateful we found Dr. Burke. His expertise, professional discretion, and compassionate, direct approach provided a critical framework for healing and understanding. He guided our entire family through this challenge with incredible skill and care, helping our son develop healthy boundaries and self-awareness. His work has been foundational to his growth and our family's restoration"
Grace
Parent of an 11-year-old
The tools she learned for managing her anxiety are now life skills
"J was struggling silently, withdrawing from everyone. Ian gave her a safe space to unpack everything without judgment. The tools she learned for managing her anxiety are now life skills. We’ve watched our child slowly return to themselves, more resilient and self-aware. Ian’s support was fundamental to achieving this."
Tony
Parent of a 16-year-old
About Me
You need someone who can help your child and work with your situation. Not just general therapy, but applied specialist experience and training. Here's why families trust me with their most difficult challenges:
My therapy room, a calm space for children to feel safe and settled.
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Toys and creative tools to help children engage and express themselves.
Dual-qualified Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
This rare dual qualification means I'm trained to work with both emotional/psychological difficulties (clinical) and complex behavioural/legal situations (forensic). These are cases involving past trauma, concerning sexual behaviors, and complex emotional difficulties. I can work with simple cases right up to the most complex.
Over 17 Years Supporting over 500 Children and Families
I have experience running a private practice and working across NHS, third sector, and specialist services which gives me a breadth of past cases to draw on in order to support you.
Registered with Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
HCPC is the statutory regulator for health professionals in the UK. Only qualified professionals can legally use the title "psychologist" - it's protected by law.
Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society
Chartered status is the gold standard in psychology. I'm a member of the Faculty for Children, Young People and Families - the highest professional standard for working with children.
Up-to-date DBS Clearance and Qualified to Work in Schools
I'm cleared to work directly with vulnerable children in any setting, including schools and specialist services.
Specialist Trainer of Professionals and Parents
I provide specialist training for parents, caregivers, and other professionals so I can equip you with the tools you need to support your child.
Professional Qualifications:
Doctorate in Forensic Clinical Psychology
Post Grad Diploma Applied Psychology of Learning Disabilities
MSc Applied Psychology (Psychological Therapies)
MSc Applied Psychology (Psychological Therapies)
Let’s Chat. Book Your Free 30-Minute No-Obligation Parent & Caregiver Consultation.
If you've read this far, you're probably at the point where you need to speak to someone who understands. This 30-minute conversation is where we figure out if I can help - and what that would look like for your family.
What we'll cover in our free 30-minute parent & caregiver consultation:
What's really going on - We'll talk through what's been happening with your child, what you've already tried, and where things stand now. You can be completely honest - I've heard it all, seen it all, and I’m here to support, not judge.
Whether this is the right approach - I'll tell you straight whether I think I can help your situation, or if there's another route that might work better. This isn't about getting you to book in, it's about finding what your child actually needs to succeed.
What happens if we work together - I'll explain exactly what therapy would involve, realistic timelines, what it costs, and what you can expect to change. You'll have time to ask anything that's on your mind.
By the end of our conversation?
You'll know whether specialist support is the right step, what working together would look like, and what your options are - whether that's moving forward with me or exploring something else.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just honest guidance from someone who's worked with families in your position hundreds of times before.
The 4-Step Therapy Process
What to expect:
Attend Your Free 30-Minute Consultation
This relaxed, no-obligation and confidential conversation via video-call. It’s a chance for us to meet, ask questions, share your reasons for seeking help, and see if specialist support is necessary.
First Paid Therapy Session
Bring your child to their first therapy session. The early sessions focus on rapport building and starting to assess your child. Treatment starts straight away rather than waiting for a specific period of assessment to finish.
I'll Sharing Initial Observations and Treatment Plan
After the first few sessions, we'll have a dedicated video-call where I’ll share my initial observations and outline my proposed treatment plan with you.
Weekly Therapy & Regular Check-ins
Ongoing sessions with your child, regular updates for you, and adjustments as needed. Most families see meaningful change within 2-6 months.
Your Investment & What's Included
Specialist support for complex cases is not the same as general therapy. Here's what it costs and what you get for that investment in your child's future.
£100 Per 1-Hour Therapy Session
No long contract or minimum number of sessions
You're never locked in. We work together for as long as it's helping your child, and you can stop whenever you need to. Most families see meaningful change within 2-6 months, but every situation is different.
What's also included when you work with me:
Initial parent session to outline findings and treatment plan
After assessing your child, I'll sit down with you to explain what I've found, what's driving the behaviour or emotional difficulties, and how we'll address these. You’ll get a clear road may for the therapy.
Regular free parent check-ins and feedback
You won't be left in the dark. We'll have ongoing conversations about your child's progress, what's working, and any adjustments we need to make.
Practical guidance for supporting your child at home
I'll equip you with specific strategies you can use day-to-day - so the progress continues beyond our sessions.
Access to the Safe and Sound™ protocol app
This cutting-edge audio technology helps calm your child's nervous system and is usually charged separately by other clinicians. It's included as a standard in our work.
Why parents in your situation invest in specialist support:
When your child's difficulties have reached the point where outside intervention feels unavoidable, the question isn't just "Can I afford this?" - it's "What's the cost of not addressing this now?"
Untreated trauma and severe behavioural or emotional difficulties don't just stay the same; they compound. School exclusions close doors. Relationships break down. Your child's confidence erodes. Patterns become harder to shift the longer they continue.
Specialist support isn't a luxury. It’s often the difference between a child who learns to cope and thrive - and a child who carries these struggles into adolescence and adulthood.
Want to ask me a confidential question that I haven’t covered yet?
Fill out this form, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.