I am an integrative counsellor/psychotherapist specifically trained to work with children, adolescents and young people (CYP) from age 4 to 25. As an integrative CYP therapist, I draw on a variety of therapeutic modalities, including person-centred, psychodynamic, CBT and attachment theories, play therapy and polyvagal techniques.

I am also informed by child development theory and use this to identify potentially missed stages of development necessary for successful maturity into adulthood, age-appropriate methods of counselling and issues pertinent to these age groups.

I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome difficulties and make choices aligned with our inner fulfilment when equipped with the skills, understanding and awareness to do so. To help children and young people to get back on track, I incorporate playful and creative expression, talking, breathing and body movement exercises and silent processing using sand, clay, miniatures, art or dressing up into sessions, according to their age, developmental need and stage of counselling.

Working in the play or symbolically helps younger children to make sense of life experiences in a non-challenging way and enables exploration and integration of thoughts, emotions and problems which may feel too confusing or overwhelming to put into words.

For teens and older children, I may introduce psychoeducation to assist them in understanding the link between mind, body and mood, along with practical exercises designed to help shift mood states, empowering them to develop skills to autonomously support their wellbeing.

To help create a sense of ease, I bring a relaxed and playful approach to sessions and encourage clients to direct the course of play/conversation. I find that working like this and at the client’s pace is the best way to find a point of connection from which we can navigate together towards a desired destination. This is based on genuine kindness, compassion, fully hearing someone’s story, meeting them where they are and journeying alongside them.

My aim is firstly to gain an understanding of someone through forming a helpful relationship and then exploring their situation, developing awareness of thought and behaviour patterns, desired outcomes and alternative approaches/ways of thinking to overcome challenges. The counselling relationship helps individuals to experience, practise and embed key emotional, behavioural and social skills to utilize throughout their life.

I have over 12 years’ experience working in primary and secondary schools (state and private), GP practices, within community counselling agencies and privately, supporting children and young people from age 4 to 25 to resolve issues in relation to family, friendships, relationships, bullying, school work/exams, changes/transitions, self-esteem, identity, gender, trauma, abuse, loss/bereavement, phobias, OCD, anger, anxiety, abuse, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, eating and sleep.

My experience includes managing safeguarding referrals and contributing to school-based crisis review meetings, liaising with external agencies, conducting assessments and delivering short and long-term counselling, as well as group work. I have significant safeguarding knowledge and experience, including suicide risk assessment, working with self-harm, eating disorders and other risky behaviours.

I previously worked at Weydon School in Farnham where I was Team Leader of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing. While in this role I contributed to a multi-school taskforce led by Surrey County Council to improve emotional wellbeing and mental health in schools, established a peer mentoring club designed mental health awareness days in school, delivered training to parents and staff on emotional/mental health issues, produced weekly wellbeing webcasts and facilitating a monthly staff wellbeing forum during COVID-19 shutdowns.

In addition to my private counselling practice, I work in two schools, counselling children from age 4 to 16. I am also a trained yoga instructor and incorporate appropriate breathing and body movement techniques into my work, particularly when helping with trauma and overwhelming emotional states.

As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and member of their Counselling Children and Young People division, I abide by the BACP ethical framework, attend regular supervision and undertake ongoing professional development to ensure I am working to the highest standards.