ONLINE PSYCHOTHERAPY via video chat available
how can I help?
First, we build a trusting relationship...
I have learnt that a trusting, accepting rapport is essential between my child clients and I. I build this over time using various strategies and my warm, friendly approach.
I have worked in schools and placements supporting child mental health and wellbeing for many years. I have 2 sons with ASD and extra needs, giving me a personal insight and empathy for those facing associated challenges. My first class Degree in Education specialised in SEN and child mental health which has given me a valuable understanding of the difficulties some children face at school.
In session, Younger children (11 yrs +) may like to play games & have fun so we can get to know each other before we start with the nitty gritty. I love to use creativity techniques and a focus on your child's favourite interests to help make the relationship feel familiar, safe, and comfortable.
Older Teenagers prefer a more mature approach, mostly based upon open lines of communication, mutual respect and unconditional support. I will be there for them no matter what they share or how they are feeling.
Some sessions are structured and planned & some will be adapted based on situations that may have occurred that week. I will support your child believing in, and striving for a rewarding, positive, future.
Confidentiality is guaranteed as per my policy.
Then, we get to work...
I ensure empathy and complete, unconditional acceptance of your child, no matter what.
I have studied for many years to understand child minds and how best to support healing and growth in our complex, pressurised, ever-changing world. After an initial assessment I will use the most appropriate therapeutic method to work with your child or teen. I believe that educating my clients about their brains is a great start. We have to understand ourselves to accept ourselves and make positive changes. Through collaboration with educators, other professionals and parents, I am able to facilitate meaningful progress and empower both the children and their support networks.
As well as tailoring numerous strategies, I predominantly practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a one-to-one version of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
These are wonderfully effective, structured therapies, focussing on emotions, thoughts and behaviours. They can be adapted for children and teens. CBT tends to be a short-term treatment, whilst DBT is for slightly more deep-rooted complex behaviours. Both work to challenge thoughts, change unwanted behaviours, regulate emotions and increase tolerance. We build life-long skills to successfully and confidently manage the inevitable up and downs ahead.
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WHAT CAN I SUPPORT YOUR CHILD WITH?
Depression, Anxiety and Low Mood
Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience in our lives. Through educating my clients about their brains and teaching life-long strategies to support self-worth, confidence and esteem, we are able to recover motivation, perspective, and the joy of life that we all deserve to feel.
I support emerging mood and personality disorders.
School Challenges
School can come with a variety of emotions, many positive, but sadly many not so good. Anxiety and fear of school, for whatever reason, can have a huge impact on the wellbeing of your child or teenager. I can support your child in discussing and acknowledging the reasons behind these fears. We can then use well-researched strategies to
challenge the fears and take control.
Neurodiversity
We are all uniquely different. Too often this is seen as a negative and leaves us feeling misunderstood, unsupported and not good enough.
I love to celebrate differences such as ASD, ADHD, SPD and dyslexia by educating my clients about neurodiversity to build an awareness and understanding of themselves and their wonderful traits.
I can then support clients and families in recognising their strengths, accepting themselves and learning how navigate life their own way.
We all have something special to offer the world!
Disordered Eating or an Eating Disorder
Disordered eating sits between normal eating and an eating disorder. It may include symptoms and behaviours of eating disorders, but at a lesser frequency or with lower severity. Disordered eating may include restrictive eating, compulsive eating, or irregular or inflexible eating patterns.
Eating disorders lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with food and body size, weight or shape. These include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder. CBT is effective for these difficulties.
Family Circumstances
I support children and families who may be experiencing challenges in the family home, in blended family homes, with separation, divorce, anger, arguments or anything else that may be making your family life a struggle. We can work it out together.
Trauma & PTSD
Many of us may experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. I can help you recognise what is holding you back, overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of healing and feeling the confidence to move forward at your own pace.
Bereavement or Abandonment
Whether its the loss of a loved one, idol or beloved pet, grief can feel impossible to navigate. The sudden absence of a special person can cause distressing feelings of grief abandonment and make us question everything. We know that the stages of grief are 'normal' but that doesn't help us with the very raw and painful emotions that we have to deal with 'in the moment'.
I support my clients in acknowledging, understanding and accepting these big emotions, guiding them through the process of securely moving forward.
Sexuality & Gender
We live in an extremely diverse and openminded country regarding sexuality, yet it can still feel impossible to fully accept oneself, feel accepted by others or feel you have found your true place in the world.
This can sometimes be due to your own confusion surrounding your sexuality, but may also be heavily influenced by society, stigma and media.
I can offer you my undivided support in navigating your journey, offering both cognitive and practical insights into how to allow yourself be authentically and proudly you!