Young People

During the Covid-19 crisis I am continuing to offer all my therapy services to children and young people online only. Please get in touch to discuss how I can help you and your child.

When working therapeutically with children and young people, I meet my young client as a unique, creative wonderful being at a particular stage of their development. She or he may be distressed and struggling, perhaps even traumatised in some way. They may know what troubles them, or they may not. They might be feeling worried, afraid, angry, sad, and may not be able or willing to put into words what is troubling them.

Therapeutic Aims

I aim to:

• Develop a safe therapeutic relationship with the child/young person
• Set clear, safe limits and boundaries for our work together.
• Hold an agreed therapeutic intention for the work whilst following the child’s lead
• Recognise and facilitate the development of the child’s strengths and resources
• Develop the young person’s self-esteem and self-confidence
• Participate in my young client's play without structuring or directing
• Empower  self-expression and self-awareness
• Facilitate the young person's growth and response-ability 

I aim to support my young clients in learning and developing in ways that will help them overcome the difficulties that brought them to therapy. We all learn best when we are emotionally engaged and absorbed.

Intention: I always have an intention and keep in mind what the child's therapeutic aim is. I find ways to encourage skills development while exploring the young person's interests. I stay willing to change my intention when necessary.

Wherever possible, I encourage, affirm and praise.

 My role includes staying alert  to how my young client can expand his or her interests and feel motivated to learn to explore and to share their experience. 

Saying “No” is reserved for situations where safety and protection of the child is the priority. When I need a young client to change what they are doing I will offer them  positive alternatives.

I am Patient: Sometimes it can take time to encourage a young person to expand their interests enough to incorporate new ideas.

I Praise: I always praise every time the child follows my lead or tries something new.

I Persevere: I often have to ask several times to encourage a young person to respond to my requests. When one idea doesn’t work then I try another.

I am Creative: I  think outside of the box,  discover new ideas with my young client and see where they lead, always holding the intention in mind and heart.

I Celebrate Uniqueness: Every child is different and what helps to motivate them may also be different.

I facilitate age appropriate fun and encourage playfulness where possible. With kids, this is probably most important of all. I make it clear that I am enjoying my time playing and learning with them. Kids are always more motivated when they are having fun and emotionally connected to activities.