Meet the Therapist: Natalie Coyne
Natalie Coyne is a child and adolescent counsellor in SE4 & online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
Before training to be a child and adolescent counsellor, I worked overseas in a variety of settings with children, from some of the poorest to the richest.
In all of them I saw the human being within that needs to be seen, heard and unconditionally loved.
Being deeply moved by the unjust treatment that happens to children and the long-term effects that trauma has on the mind and body, I was motivated to train as a counsellor and provide a space where the voice of the inner child can be heard.
Where did you train?
I trained for three years at the Institution of Art, Therapy & Education (I.A.T.E) in London.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
My therapeutic model is integrative, which means that I can call upon a variety of modalities that would best suit the needs of the individual client.
The work is child-lead and creative-arts based with the application from a variety of theories and neurosciences.
How does child therapy help?
Working through play and creativity can unlock unconscious parts that words alone can’t always reach. Child counselling provides a space for the child/teenager to self-discover, process difficult feelings and develop in their wellbeing.
By providing attunement and what counsellors call a ‘holding’ space, a client can feel safe enough to bring up and process difficult feelings.
Being met with a non-judgemental and empathic response can help the client feel less alone in the world.
Self-destructive behaviour can be replaced with more self-compassion and self-care.
I commonly work with anxiety and panic attacks amongst children and young people.
Breathing, mindful and soothing activities help equip the child/young person with tools for developing emotional resilience and self-love.
What sort of people do you usually see?
Previously I have worked with children aged four to 18-years-old.
However, currently because of working online only, I am seeing seven to 18-years-old.
What do you like about being a therapist?
As a therapist I take great pleasure in seeing a child/adolescent experience being known and in connection with another.
I enjoy seeing moments of them experiencing something other than isolation, loneliness or fear.
What is less pleasant?
Being with people in their pain certainly has a great impact on me.
I give a lot of time to self-care and giving attention to my own needs in order to have the emotional capacity for the client that I am journeying with.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I suggest the app Headspace and Calm to children/young people.
What you do for your own mental health?
For my own mental health, I take daily walks in nature and spend time being around animals.
I try to enjoy life’s simple pleasures in the moment, such as a cup of coffee and being with a good friend.
What’s your consultation room like?
I work online only. Using the platform Zoom.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I wish people knew how brave they are when they choose to be vulnerable and reach out for support and help.
As a counsellor, I consider it an honour and privilege to be let into their world and join them on their journey.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
In my own therapy I learnt how powerful it is to be truly heard, seen and validated.
I learnt that unconditional love and acceptance has the power to heal.
