My approach
Therapy shaped around you.
You might know exactly what you would like help with, or you may simply know that something doesn’t feel quite right. There is no expectation that you arrive knowing what to say or what you want to change.
Person-centred & integrative
You are the starting point.
I adapt the way we work together to you rather than expecting you to fit one model of therapy. My approach is relational, developmental and trauma-informed.
I draw on my training in Neurosomatic Psychotherapy alongside approaches informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), using these according to what feels appropriate for the individual.
Space for different ways to express yourself
Talking isn’t the only way to communicate.
For some young people, sitting opposite someone and being asked to talk about their feelings can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the words for what is happening inside.
This is why creativity is an important part of my practice. Alongside talking therapy, I can incorporate art, play and therapeutic activities into our sessions.
There is never any expectation to be good at art. These are simply different ways of exploring and expressing thoughts, feelings and experiences when words alone might not feel enough.
Equally, if you would rather just talk, that is absolutely okay too. Therapy is shaped around you.
For young people
Your voice.
Your pace.
A space for you.
I want you to have space to feel heard, understood and accepted. Your sessions are private, and I do not routinely share what you say with parents or carers.
Their involvement is usually guided by your wishes, alongside the consent arrangements appropriate to your age and understanding.
Privacy and confidentiality
Before we begin, I will explain confidentiality and its limits. If I am concerned about your safety or someone else’s, or information needs to be shared for safeguarding or legal reasons, I may need to involve an appropriate person or service.
Wherever it is safe and lawful to do so, I will discuss this with you first and share only what is necessary.
I also use professional supervision to support safe and effective practice, with care to protect your identity.
For parents & carers
Supporting your young person, together.
You’re welcome to contact me if you are considering counselling for your child or young person. We can discuss the support you are looking for and how consent, confidentiality and any parent involvement will work before therapy begins.
Young people need space to develop trust. Routine updates about session content are not automatically provided because a parent arranges or pays for therapy.
Where helpful and appropriate, a joint session can be discussed to support a conversation between a young person and their parent or carer.
Ask a questionA space that works for you
Everyone’s needs are different.
I welcome conversations about reasonable adjustments, particularly for neurodivergent young people, that may make attending counselling feel more comfortable.
This might include lower lighting, receiving information before your first appointment, or discussing other adjustments that would help you feel more at ease.
A few things you might be wondering
There’s no right way to begin.
Do I have to use art or play?
No. Creative activities are an option, and talking on its own is absolutely okay too. Therapy is shaped around what feels helpful for you.
Do I need to be good at art?
No. Creative activities offer another way to explore and express thoughts, feelings and experiences. There is no expectation to be good at art.
What if I don’t know what to say?
You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or what you want to change. We can begin wherever you are.
Will parents hear what I talk about?
I do not routinely share session content with parents or carers. We discuss confidentiality, consent and any involvement before we begin. Safeguarding and legal exceptions may mean information has to be shared with an appropriate person or service.
Can we have a session together with a parent or carer?
Where helpful and appropriate, a joint session can be discussed to support a conversation. We would agree its purpose and arrangements beforehand.
At your pace
We can begin wherever you are.
You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or what you want to change. You're welcome to get in touch and ask a question.