I am a psychotherapeutic counsellor with specific training, experience and passion for working with children, adolescents and young people up to the age of 25. I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including person-centred, psychodynamic and attachment theories, play therapy and polyvagal techniques. CBT and cognitive strategies are also incorporated into my practice, particularly when working with anxiety.
Additionally, I have a strong interest in neuroscience and the impact of trauma and overwhelming emotional states on the brain and body. Psychoeducation assists children/young people in understanding the link between mind, body and mood, empowering them to autonomously support their wellbeing.
I am informed by knowledge of child development and use this to identify potential missed stages of development. The counselling relationship helps clients experience, practise and embed key emotional, behavioural and social skills to utilise through life. Counselling allows testing of alternative behaviour patterns and responses within a trusting relationship, instilling greater confidence and self-belief, which can eventually be transferred into relationships and scenarios in life. The process is most effective when conducted at a comfortable pace for the individual, to ensure long-standing change and capability to self-manage difficulties.
The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are ever after secure in your ability to survive
I have worked in primary and secondary schools, GP practices, within community counselling agencies and privately, supporting children and young people from age 4 to 24 to resolve issues in relation to family, friendships, relationships, bullying, school work/exams, changes/transitions, self-esteem, identity, gender, trauma, abuse, loss/bereavement, anger, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, eating and sleep.
My training through the Place2Be solely concentrated on working therapeutically with children and adolescents, furnishing me with thorough knowledge and expertise in issues relevant to these age groups, appropriate methods of delivering counselling and facilitating completion of necessary developmental stages for successful maturity into adulthood.
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Child Counselling at level 7, am a qualified Online Counsellor and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist skilled in assisting regulation of overwhelming states and reworking traumatic memories. The strategies and exercises I use have been particularly beneficial to children and young people in coping with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their wellbeing.
In addition to my private counselling practice, I work in two schools, counselling children from age 3 to 16, am a freelance writer/researcher and training to be a yoga instructor. I maintain my wellbeing through dancing, nature, art, exercise, spiritual development and time with family/friends.