Counselling and Psychotherapy
It is in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self. -Winnicott
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
I work therapeutically with children and young people from age 11 up. I am not a play therapist, but I will use creative strategies where appropriate. My approach involves meeting you exactly where and as you are, exploring your landscape and seeing things from your point of view. I aim to be gentle and warm-hearted so that together we can begin to look at things you are struggling with.
Whatever the aim of our work together, I will always try to:
-become highly attuned to your experiences in the World
(really understanding your point of view)
-give you an opportunity to think and talk about what has happened
-help you make sense of complex emotions
-increase your self confidence and sense of self
-build your sense of agency
(feeling like its okay to act to make your life how you want it to be)
-develop your passions and finding a way to laugh and be playful.
-help you to tell your own story
I have substantial experience of working with young people with the gift of difference, whether that be neurodiversity, PDA, mental health challenges, learning difficulties or physical difference. I am trained in SEND and child development, having worked in multi-agency environments for many years.
I am currently the school counsellor for Northease Manor School, find out more here:
I have experience of supporting children with social care involvement and a history of trauma.