Children'S Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy For Children & Adolescents

I specialise in working with Children and Adolescents and have been meeting with young people in the community since 2004. Here, I designed and delivered therapeutic interventions to engage disadvantaged young people in education and positive recreation, something I continue to feel passionately about.

Working within alternative education and community health settings has provided me with specialist knowledge of child development and mental health difficulties. I have experience of working with school age children, with complex social, cognitive and emotional difficulties and a wide range of different personalities. Each child is unique, and I enjoy supporting them to fulfil their potential and enjoy their childhood.

Families request support for children for a variety of reasons including:

  • Difficult relationships with family members and peers.
  • Experiences of low mood and suicidal ideation.
  • Feelings of anxiety around identity.
  • Difficulties with peer groups, romantic relationships, and bullying at school.
  • Exposure to Domestic Violence, Parental Substance Misuse and Mental Health Issues.
  • Difficulties with concentration and preoccupation with life’s significant events.

When working with school age children I often invite their family, carers and siblings to be part of the work where possible. Here I draw on developmentally appropriate creative methods to facilitate an atmosphere of safety and playfulness.

I offer sessions both online and in person also, and am happy to discuss working flexibly. This enables children and young people to access sessions however they can, with as little disruption as possible to their weekly structure.

Who Should Attend?

I encourage children to bring a parent/carer of their choice to the sessions initially whilst we get to know each other and the environment becomes familiar and things feel safe. At times parents will continue to be in a reflecting position whilst the child takes more of a lead in participating in the session through conversation or an activity independently when ready and able to do so.

What If Talking Is Too Difficult?

Talking can be difficult and so at these times I draw on creative methods including writing, imagery, and movement to support people in being able to express themselves and experience new ways of being together. This session can be facilitated face to face or online and at times a hybrid model can enable those who are geographically at a distance to be part of the conversation.  
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