Development is a lifelong learning process and it can get stuck, go awry or prove problematic for a number of reasons.  When this happens it can begin to express itself in various ways;  low mood, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, problems in important relationships inside the famiily, at school and with peers.  At these difficult points issues from the past may also be re-triggered making it even more difficult to move forward or re-establish emotional stability and confidence. Psychotherapy can help to locate and address these issues by providing a safe setting outside of the family, school and friendship network  for issues and anxieties to present and be worked with.

I have 14 years' experience in psychotherapy, mental-health and well-being work with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I have worked in CAMHS clinics, hospitals, special schools and therapeutic communities.

For Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

The evidence base for psychotherapy with children and adolescents has been established (Kennedy, 2004).  Work with children usually involves the use of play equipment to help the child communicate their anxieties, work with adolescents and young adults follows a more traditional talking therapies approach although some simple art  materials may be provided to facilitate this.   

My practice would be to meet with a parent(s) for an initial consultation and to get a picture of their child/adolescent and what the concerns are.  I would then arrange to meet with your child/adolescent  for 3-4 sessions of assessment. This would be followed by a  review meeting for us all to meet and discuss my appraisal and recommendations.  This short piece of work involving initial consultation,exploration and assessment can often prove helpful to families even if no treatment is recommended or parents or their child/young person decides that now is not the right time.

If psychotherapy is agreed the aims of the work would be established during the assessment proccess and regualry  reviewed with parents and the child/young person.

I offer short - term psychotherapy ( 6-20 sessions) and long term (open- ended)

 For Adults:

 I offer - parent support work, personal coaching and counselling and couples work.

A thinking space for parents can be offered by myself or by a child psychotherapy colleague while your child/adolescent is in therapy.  Also, where, as is sometimes the case, adolescents refuse or fail to engage in therapy offering a thinking space to parents can often prove an effective method of intervention.