CHILDREN AND YOUNGER ADOLESCENTS (ages 4-16)

Children and young people are constantly experiencing new demands as they move through different developmental stages. At times this can be challenging, not only for the young person but also for their family. I believe that supporting children and young people means working with families, schools and other professionals to help everyone navigate through the difficulties. I work to alleviate distress and promote emotional health and constructive communication so that family and social relationships are strengthened and academic potential is reached.

I use a child-led and creative approach to help young people feel at ease, adapting to them as we get to know each other. I encourage them to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels right to them at the time, which can mean talking, play, games, creative arts or most usually a mix of all these.

Bringing your child for therapy is an important, and sometimes unsettling decision. I meet with parents first without their child in order to hear from them how they see the problem and explore together how therapy may help. This initial meeting is an opportunity for parents to speak freely and in confidence and allows me to get a picture of their child’s family, friendships and school life as well as an understanding of their health and developmental history.

I recognise that some parents may no longer be in a couple relationship but I would, where possible, encourage parents to come together to this initial meeting. Where this is not possible I am used to accommodating this situation and will work with you to reduce conflict and support your child.

I will then meet with the child or young person, usually for 3 sessions for an initial assessment and then meet with parents again to review and discuss how I can be of help. These initial sessions are not only an opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy but also to ask questions, decide if therapy is for you and your child and whether you feel I am the right person for you and your family. 

I offer short term (6-12 sessions) and open ended work depending on the young person’s needs, but will always work towards promoting self-reliance and independence. I meet with parents of children and younger adolescents (usually up to age 14) periodically to review where we are in the process of supporting their child towards achieving their therapeutic goals. Older adolescents can be sensitive to parental participation in their therapy and thinking about this would form part of our work together. 

Initial consultation appointments are for 1 hour 20 minutes with a fee of £160 Ongoing therapy sessions are arranged at the same time and day each week and last 50 minutes. I offer daytime or after school sessions and generally work to school term dates (London Borough of Barnet). Session fees are £135, payable for parent meetings and weekly appointments. I offer some concessionary spaces were appropriate.

Familiar issues that present are anxiety, managing ASD and ADHD, illness and disability in the family, loss/bereavement, family breakdown, self-esteem, friendship issues, depression, senior school transition, social anxiety and peer pressure. However, this list is not exhaustive and can mean different things in different contexts.