The early years can be particularly challenging for parents and their babies or young children. I can help with sleeping, feeding, tantrums, aggression, post-natal depression and many other ordinary or difficult aspects of early development. Sessions will be joint with the parent and child initially and they may move into individual parent or child appointments, depending on the child’s age and what feels most helpful and comfortable. I will use play to connect with the child and explore what might be going on. Providing a non-judgmental space in which to make sense of sometimes overwhelming emotions and confusing communications from a baby or young child can get relationships off to a better start during this critical phase of development.

Children of primary school age can start to struggle with issues such as: anxiety, oppositional behaviour, problems in friendships, underachieving in school, difficulty managing screen time, and many other ordinary or difficult aspects of development. The therapy sessions I offer are creative and individualised, using toys, play and drawing to facilitate expression. The first appointments can be joint with parents so that the child has a chance to get used to me and the setting. Having a safe space to express and make sense of their feelings can free children up, so that they can get back on track with healthy development and move into the teenage years with greater confidence.

The teenage and young adult years are times of significant change and emotional turmoil, leaving young people facing challenges around: anxiety, depression, self-harm, body image, self-esteem, risky behaviours, exams, school, university, sexuality, gender identity, and many other ordinary or difficult aspects of development. The confidential talking therapy sessions that I offer provide a space for young people to explore and make sense of their thoughts and feelings at a pace that feels comfortable for them. As a supportive therapeutic relationship develops, they can find relief and develop healthier coping strategies, improving relationships and confidence.

Trying to make sense of what might be troubling your child and finding a way to help them is not easy. I can offer support and guidance to parents in various forms, whether or not their child is in therapy:

Consultations

Sometimes it can be difficult as a parent to work out how concerned to be. These meetings can be an opportunity to discuss and assess any concerns a parent has and help them to find a way forward.

Therapy Review Meetings

When a younger child is in therapy, I typically offer regular review meetings with the parents, to discuss the child’s development, share observations, and offer guidance. These meetings keep parents involved and informed about the therapeutic process whilst respecting the child’s need for privacy and confidentiality.

Parent Support and Guidance Sessions

I can offer a regular space for parents to develop their understanding of their child’s difficulties and consider parenting approaches. This work can be short or long-term and at a frequency that works for the family.

Before therapy starts, I offer an initial consultation - an introductory meeting to explore the challenges the child or young person is facing. We can then decide whether to go ahead with an assessment (usually 3 sessions), to establish whether Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy is a suitable treatment and to get a more in-depth understanding of the difficulties the child or young person is experiencing. Following the assessment there would be a review meeting to discuss what we’ve learned and to consider the best way forward.

Consultations and Assessments can be a supportive and valuable process whether or not a longer term treatment is appropriate. They can offer insight into a child or young person’s difficulties which can be useful to feedback to family and professionals involved in the child’s life.

I provide one-off consultations and ongoing supervision sessions for professionals - including teachers, social workers, school counsellors, nursery workers, art, music, and drama therapists - who would like to develop their understanding of the children they are working with. These meetings involve discussing a child or young person's difficulties and background, and considering helpful strategies. Gaining a clearer understanding of the complex situations faced by the child or young person, along with insight into the emotional meaning behind their communications, can lead to a more informed approach.