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Lewtons Psychology Practice

Help from a Child Clinical Psychologist

Writing on Adolescent OCD and Emotional Life

Clinical reflections on intrusive thoughts, compulsions and the emotional life of adolescence. These pieces are written for families, young people and professionals who want to understand what symptoms may be communicating, while remaining attentive to established psychological treatment.

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How to Tell If Your Child Is Symbolising or Just Repeating

How to Tell If Your Child Is Symbolising or Just Repeating

How to Tell If Your Child Is Symbolising or Just Repeating

Is your child expressing something—or just repeating it? Learn how to tell if a ritual is symbolising, or if it’s stuck in survival mode.

marcuslewton

Apr 8, 20253 min read

Understanding Symbolic Breakdown in Adolescent Obsessionality

Understanding Symbolic Breakdown in Adolescent Obsessionality

Understanding Symbolic Breakdown in Adolescent Obsessionality

When a young person stops symbolising, rituals remain—but meaning drains out. Symbolic collapse is quiet, but devastating. (Lecture 2).

marcuslewton

Apr 8, 20255 min read

The Institutional Defence Against Meaning: Why Clinics Abandon Symbolic Work

The Institutional Defence Against Meaning: Why Clinics Abandon Symbolic Work

The Institutional Defence Against Meaning: Why Clinics Abandon Symbolic Work

To abandon symbolic work is to leave the child un-met, and the therapist untouched. We must reclaim meaning, or risk becoming procedural.

marcuslewton

Apr 8, 20253 min read

Beyond the Skills: A Symbolic Clinician’s Guide to Working Psychodynamically in a Manualised World

Beyond the Skills: A Symbolic Clinician’s Guide to Working Psychodynamically in a Manualised World

Beyond the Skills: A Symbolic Clinician’s Guide to Working Psychodynamically in a Manualised World

A guide for clinicians who want to practise symbolically—even within ACT, DBT, and CFT-dominated services. Hold the thread.

marcuslewton

Apr 7, 20253 min read

Don’t Tell Me What They’re Doing — Tell Me What It’s For

Don’t Tell Me What They’re Doing — Tell Me What It’s For

Don’t Tell Me What They’re Doing — Tell Me What It’s For

OCD rituals aren’t just behaviours — they’re attempts at meaning. Stop listing actions. Start listening for what the act is doing.

marcuslewton

Apr 6, 20252 min read

Why Is My Child Doing This?

Why Is My Child Doing This?

Why Is My Child Doing This?

Sometimes a ritual isn’t just a habit — it’s a child’s way of saying, “I’m sorry,” or “I love you,” when words feel impossible.

marcuslewton

Apr 5, 20252 min read

It’s Not Who They Are: Making Sense of Taboo Thoughts in Adolescents

It’s Not Who They Are: Making Sense of Taboo Thoughts in Adolescents

It’s Not Who They Are: Making Sense of Taboo Thoughts in Adolescents

Taboo thoughts in teens aren’t signs of danger. They reflect inner conflict during adolescence—when new impulses outpace understanding.

marcuslewton

Mar 30, 20252 min read

“ How Can They Be Fine One Minute and Lost the Next?”

“ How Can They Be Fine One Minute and Lost the Next?”

“ How Can They Be Fine One Minute and Lost the Next?”

When your child swings from calm to crisis, it’s not your failure. It’s the shape of the struggle. Here’s how to understand it.

marcuslewton

Mar 29, 20252 min read

“Not Every Child Can ‘Just Do ERP’": A Conversation About Intrusive Thoughts, Support, and What Needs to Change”

“Not Every Child Can ‘Just Do ERP’": A Conversation About Intrusive Thoughts, Support, and What Needs to Change”

“Not Every Child Can ‘Just Do ERP’": A Conversation About Intrusive Thoughts, Support, and What Needs to Change”

ERP isn't for everyone. This conversation explores readiness, deeper work, and what it means to never give up on a young person.

marcuslewton

Mar 29, 20255 min read

“What Should I Say?” When Reassurance Doesn’t Work

“What Should I Say?” When Reassurance Doesn’t Work

“What Should I Say?” When Reassurance Doesn’t Work

When reassurance doesn’t work, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. Sometimes, it’s not about answers—it’s about staying close.

marcuslewton

Mar 29, 20251 min read

The House with a Locked Door: A Parent’s First Glimpse into OCD

The House with a Locked Door: A Parent’s First Glimpse into OCD

The House with a Locked Door: A Parent’s First Glimpse into OCD

A parent’s first glimpse of OCD isn’t always a diagnosis—it’s the sense that their child is there, but behind a door they can’t yet open.

marcuslewton

Mar 29, 20252 min read

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