Are Your Child’s Emotional or Behavioural Difficulties Starting to Cause You Concern?
Specialist psychological therapy for young children and teens - helping you to rebuild a happy, safe and balanced home life.
Over 500 children helped
The shift in our home has been profound. It's gone from daily distress to connection and laughter.
We’ve watched our child slowly return to themselves, more resilient and self-aware.
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Play Therapy, CBT, EMDR and More
For Young Children & Teens, Ages 3 - 17
Central Edinburgh Location
I Work With All Types of Parents and Caregivers
Does This Sound Familiar?
Your child's behaviour or emotional struggles 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.
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.
Do some of your child’s behaviours concern you?
Problematic behaviours or reactions that are escalating and not settling on their own.
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.
My therapy room, a calm space for children to feel safe and settled. Toys and creative tools to help children engage and express themselves.
Dual-Qualified Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
Over 17 Years Supporting over 500 Children and Families
Leading Expert in the Specialism of Problematic Sexual Behaviour in Children
Specialist Trainer of Professionals and Parents - so I can help guide you
Who Am I and How I Can Help
I’m Dr Ian Burke, a leading clinical and forensic psychologist.
I offer specialist therapy for young children and teens aged between 3 and 17 - those with complex emotional and behavioural issues, which may have roots in past trauma, or for children who might be developing problematic sexual behaviours.
My specialist training as a psychologist, decades of experience, and use of play & adventure therapy make me uniquely qualified to support a range of cases, from the simple to the most complex.
Why this matters to you:
I understand what's underneath the behaviour or emotional struggles - trauma responses, developmental needs, emotional regulation difficulties.
I can work with complex cases and presentations - concerning behaviours, complete shutdowns, or challenging emotional issues.
I’m able to keep your child engaged with the therapy - 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.
There’s no need to keep struggling alone. Take the first step towards a happier family life today.
How My Approach Get's The Best For Your Child
"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 an 16-year-old
How Both You and Your Child Can Benefit
Together we identify what’s happening, reduce distress, and build lasting change.
You stay informed, equipped, and supported every step of the way.
How Your Child Benefits
Start Healing
I’ll help your child to reduce feelings of distress, feel calmer, and lower the intensity of problematic behaviour. Home life and school will start to improve.
Learn Safe Behaviours
Your child will learn the skills to desist from behaviours that may have caused harm, and learn how to act safely.
Build Long-Term Skills
Your child will develop emotional regulation tools, coping strategies, and resilience that last long after therapy ends.
How You as a Parent or Caregiver Benefit
Identify Patterns and Understand Causes
I'll share what I'm observing. You’ll be able to make sense of the cause and function of what you’re seeing. This clarity brings tremendous relief.
Equip You With Tools & Support You
I can give you practical tools to use at home, so progress can continue outside of sessions. You’re no longer alone in this - together, we’ll help your child.
Monitor Progress
I track specific behaviours of concern to make sure we're seeing improvements over time; adjusting the approach as needed.
Hear From Other Parents
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
Let’s Chat: Book Your Free 30-Minute Parent & Caregiver Consultation
If you've read this far, you're probably at the point where you'd like to speak to someone who understands. This no-pressure 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:
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.
Explore what's really going on
I'll let you know 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.
Whether this is the right approach
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.
What happens if we work together
By the end of our chat, you'll know whether therapy is the right step, and what your options are. Just a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to help you decide your next step.
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What To Expect - The Therapy Process
Here's exactly what happens if you decide to move forward:
Pre Therapy: Attend The Free 30-Minute Consultation
This is a relaxed, no-obligation and confidential conversation via video-call. It’s a chance for us to meet, for you to ask questions, share your reasons for seeking help, and see if specialist support is necessary for your child.
Step 1: 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. Sessions take place in person at my office in Edinburgh.
Step 2: I'll Share Initial Observations & My 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.
Step 3: Continue Weekly Therapy & Regular Check-ins
Ongoing sessions with your child, regular updates for you, and adjustments as needed. Most families see meaningful change within 3-6 months.
Fees
£100 /per
1-Hour Therapy Session
(No long contract or minimum commitment required)
Your Investment & What's Included:
60 minute therapy sessions - allow enough time for meaningful work in every session
Specialist expertise, rather than “general therapy” - so you get the best results for your child
Initial parent session to outline findings and treatment plan - so you have a clear roadmap for therapy and know exactly how it will work
Regular free parent check-ins and feedback - you’re never left in the dark, and you’ll have complete visibility of how therapy is progressing
Practical guidance for supporting your child at home - so the progress continues beyond our sessions
Discounted access to the Safe and Sound™ Protocol App - this cutting-edge audio technology helps calm your child's nervous system
Why parents 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.
"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
FAQs
Here are the questions I hear most often from parents considering whether therapy is the right step.
Prefer To Ask a Question First?
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