Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

I am a UKCP Registered Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. I have the skills and in depth theoretical understanding to work effectively with the full range of mental health, emotional and behavioural issues that trouble children and teenagers.

As a qualified EMDR therapist, I am able to treat children for traumatic events including PTSD, phobias, and a range of other mental health difficulties. https://emdrassociation.org.uk/a-unique-and-powerful-therapy/children-adolescents/

As a parent/carer you need the reassurance that the therapist you choose has the right experience and personality to engage with and help your child. You also need a professional who is able to gain your trust and support you through a difficult time in family life, whilst maintaining the very important safe and confidential space of the child's therapy. 

Therapy for children is very different to adult counselling. It involves a mix of talking, play, creative activities, storytelling, music, and drama/role play. Following an in-depth assessment, my counselling is carefully adapted to the individual needs/issues and developmental age of the child - which may not be the same as their developmental age in years, or consistent across all areas. 

I have a particular interest in counselling adolescents. Young people occupy the developmental gap between adult and child. They need a different approach and counselling style to either. As well as my specialist Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling with Adolescents from the Institute for the Arts in Therapy and Education, I have many years experience of working with adolescents in Connexions and the Careers Service.

Examples of issues I have experience of working in children and adolescents include: anxiety and depression, self harm, suicidal thoughts and attempts, trauma and dissociation, identity, self esteem, being bullied or bullying, anger and emotional outbursts, issues related to neurodevelopmental difference such as autistic spectrum conditions, ADD/ADHD, learning difficulties, physical health conditions, young carers, sexuality and gender, including several young transgender clients.

As well as working with the child in one to one counselling, I also work closely with parents/carers. My aim is to empower parents in their role as their child's most important attachment figure and source of emotional support and care - which can become very challenging with a troubled child. Parents may be present in some sessions, have their own sessions, or a mixture. I aim to be flexible and assess carefully how I may best meet the needs of the child within the family setting.  

Sometimes when children are struggling at school, it can be helpful for me to work with education staff and provide advice and guidance on how to support the child.

I also may refer on to other professionals, eg Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Sometimes this will be whilst continuing to see the child myself alongside liaising with other mental health agencies, at other times we may need to bring our therapy to an end.

I have a full, up-to-date, enhanced DBS check for the child and adult workforce and up to date safeguarding training.