When a child or young person is struggling, it can be hard for parents to know what to do or how best to help. You may notice anxiety, sadness, anger, low confidence, withdrawal, difficulties at school, friendship worries, emotional outbursts, or behaviour that feels out of character. Often, these are signs that a child is carrying feelings they do not yet have the words for.
I offer a warm, thoughtful and creative therapeutic space where children and young people can feel safe, accepted and gently supported to explore what is happening for them. My aim is to meet each child where they are, at their own pace, and to help them feel understood rather than judged.
My approach is integrative, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic ideas and creative interventions depending on the needs, age and personality of each child. I use arts-based approaches such as paint, sand tray, puppets, clay, movement, music and storytelling. These creative ways of working can be especially helpful when feelings are overwhelming, confusing, “bottled up”, or difficult to explain in words.
I support children and young people who may be experiencing anxiety, sadness, low self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, challenges with self-control, or a loss of confidence. I also work with children who have been affected by family stresses such as divorce, separation, bereavement, parental mental health difficulties, physical illness within the family, or other changes at home.
I have experience working with neurodiverse children and young people, and I aim to provide a safe, inclusive and accepting space for all children, including LGBTQ+ and non-binary young people. I recognise that every child experiences the world differently, and I adapt my way of working to support each young person’s individual needs.
Counselling can help children begin to make sense of their feelings, build confidence, strengthen self-esteem and develop a greater sense of safety within themselves. Time spent with a kind, consistent therapeutic adult can support emotional development, relationships, learning and personal growth. Over time, children can begin to feel more able to manage big emotions and understand themselves with greater compassion.
The theoretical foundation of my practice is rooted in attachment theory, drawing on the work of John Bowlby and Donald Winnicott. This means I place great importance on the therapeutic relationship: creating a safe, attuned and reliable space where a child can feel held in mind. I also draw on Dan Hughes’ PACE approach, playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy, to help children feel connected, regulated and emotionally safe.
At the heart of my work is the belief that children and young people do not need to face difficult feelings alone. Through a caring therapeutic relationship, creativity and gentle exploration, counselling can help them process their experiences, grow in confidence, and move towards feeling more secure, resilient and able to be themselves.
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