Business Details
43 Years
experience
Specialist Psychotherapy Services in Bristol
Founded in 1983 by Sally Box, a psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained at the Tavistock Clinic, we have dedicated four decades to delivering high-quality psychodynamic therapy for children, families, and adults. Our dual service model, Bridge in Schools and Bridge Psychotherapy Service, embeds qualified therapists in local schools and provides one-to-one therapy, addressing mental health challenges in vulnerable communities. With a multidisciplinary team supporting over 400 individuals monthly, we combine clinical expertise with a commitment to early intervention, evidenced by our impact on 11,000+ individuals since inception.Our work integrates psychoanalytic principles with practical solutions, fostering resilience in school communities and offering tailored therapeutic interventions for complex needs. Backed by 40 years of experience, we maintain rigorous clinical standards while prioritising accessibility, offering both face-to-face and online sessions to accommodate diverse client requirements.
Services
Child Psychotherapy
Family Therapy
Trauma Therapy
School Mental Health
Clinical Supervision
Parent Group Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- 40 years of specialist experience in child and adolescent mental health since 1983
- Embedded therapists in Bristol schools for targeted early intervention support
- Multidisciplinary team with expertise in trauma, neurodivergence, and complex needs
- Proven outcomes: 77% parental and 80% teacher-reported improvements in child behaviour
- Bespoke therapy available for adults and families facing complex mental health challenges
Associations and certifications
- Charity & Nonprofit Organizations
What people say
Life-transforming support
Improved behaviour
Vital emotional support
Positive school impact
Effective trauma therapy
Services
Child Psychotherapy
Specialist psychodynamic therapy for children facing emotional and behavioural challenges. Our therapists work within school communities to provide early intervention for vulnerable pupils, addressing trauma and complex needs. Tailored sessions help build resilience and improve mental wellbeing through evidence-based practices.
Family Therapy
Holistic therapy addressing family dynamics and relationships. We support parents and children through complex mental health issues, offering group sessions and home-based interventions. Our approach fosters better communication and mutual understanding across generations.
School Mental Health
Embedded therapist programmes for schools in deprived areas. We deliver bespoke interventions including staff training, pupil therapy, and family support. This whole-school approach improves emotional wellbeing and academic outcomes through sustained mental health strategies.
Clinical Supervision
Expert supervision for mental health professionals working with vulnerable groups. Our experienced clinicians provide reflective practice spaces and training to enhance professional development and service delivery for complex cases.
Parent Group Therapy
Structured group sessions helping parents understand child emotional needs. Participants gain practical strategies for managing challenging behaviours while building supportive networks with other families facing similar experiences.
People
Sally Box
Founder
Psychoanalytic psychotherapist trained at the Tavistock Clinic with 40+ years experience in child mental health. Established The Bridge Foundation in 1983 to apply psychoanalytic principles to community mental health challenges.
Matthew Jenkins
CEO
Leads strategic direction and organisational development with extensive experience in mental health service delivery. Oversees operations across both Bridge in Schools and Bridge Psychotherapy Service programmes.
Itamar Cohen
Child Psychotherapist
Child and adolescent psychotherapist with 20+ years experience in CAMHS settings. Specialises in trauma therapy and leads the looked-after children's team, providing clinical expertise and professional training.
Megan Yakeley
Clinical Specialist
Integrative psychodynamic psychotherapist focusing on neurodivergent children and young people. Former NHS autism lead with expertise in therapeutic interventions for looked-after and adopted children.
Caroline Matthews
Fundraising Lead
Manages fundraising and communications strategy with background in mental health charity operations. Oversees donor relations and public engagement initiatives to support service expansion.
Questions
What therapy options are available for children?
We offer individual and school-based psychotherapy for children aged 5-18, including trauma-focused therapy and neurodivergence support.
How can schools partner with The Bridge Foundation?
Schools can commission our Bridge in Schools programme, which embeds specialist therapists in your setting to support vulnerable pupils.
Do you provide adult mental health services?
Yes, we offer one-to-one psychotherapy for adults alongside our child and family services.
What areas do you cover?
Primarily Bristol and surrounding areas in Southwest England, with school partnerships across the region.
How long is the therapy waiting list?
Current wait times are approximately 4 months for child therapy and shorter for adult appointments.
Are your services free?
As a charity, we offer subsidised rates and can discuss financial arrangements for those in need.
