My Approach

Psychotherapy is effective and evidence-based but there isn't a magic wand for solutions to relational problems.
Much of the work is done outside of our sessions as you reflect on our conversations, follow up on resources provided or try new ways of relating to the people around you.
I don't tell you what we should work on or think about - it's collaborative. We work together, at your pace and direction.
Individual work:
I work with people to help them understand themselves in the context of their relationships, history and environment. We build on existing individual and relationship strengths. We may look at day-to-day life challenges and stresses, your relationships, family history, self-esteem, or repeated patterns.
Individual therapy can help with:
• Anxiety, stress or overwhelm
• Relationship patterns
• Low mood or self confidence
• Life transitions
• Grief or loss
Family work: Family therapy helps families understand each other better, communicate more clearly and navigate difficult periods with improved connection.
We may explore parenting challenges, strengths, and areas for development. This may include approaches to reduce conflict and stress and behavioural concerns in the family environment such as NVR, and to improve your relationship with members of your immediate and extended family.
Family therapy is helpful for:
• Communication difficulties
• Conflict or tension at home
• Parenting challenges
• Teen emotional or behavioural concerns
• Life transitions, loss or separation
• Neurodiversity within the family
Parent support: These sessions offer a reflective space to think about your child or teen, understand what’s happening beneath the surface and explore practical ways to support them.
Helpful for parents navigating:
• Emotional regulation
• Anxiety or low mood
• Behavioural concerns
• Neurodiversity
• Co-parenting challenges
How sessions work:
• Sessions last 50–60 minutes
• In-person sessions take place in St Helier
• Online sessions are available.
Our work together is confidential; there are some exceptions to this relating to safeguarding, and legal considerations, which I will discuss with you if we work together.

About Me

I'm an approachable, supportive Family and Systemic Psychotherapist providing professional, evidence-based, confidential psychotherapy to help you navigate relationships and life’s challenges with safe, collaborative and practical support.
I work with individuals, couples and families across the age span, from children to older people using a systemic approach that looks at the whole picture.
Family therapy can help people in close relationships to understand and support each other, building on family strengths to make useful changes in their relationships and their lives.
I draw on other evidence-based therapeutic approaches and tools, as necessary, to support our work together.
My approach is collaborative, respectful and tailored to you. Systemic and family therapy focuses on understanding relationships — helping people make sense of patterns within families, improve communication and strengthen connections. It draws on both individual and shared strengths to support meaningful, lasting change.
WORKING TOGETHER
Our work together is confidential. There’s nothing you can’t talk about. I offer short and long-term therapy in a professional, safe, supportive environment. You can have a single session, one or two sessions to test the waters and address immediate concerns, or we can develop a longer supportive, therapeutic relationship.
I offer a free 30-minute initial telephone consultation for you to ask any questions or find out a bit more.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
I trained as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. I'm registered with the UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy), and I'm a member of the Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy and the Jersey Association for Family and Systemic Therapy. I’m also a qualified counsellor.
I work for the Government of Jersey as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist with the Children and Families Hub Service. I’ve also worked for charitable and mental health organisations.
I have specific interests in working with stress and anxiety, neurodiversity, bereavement and loss, and helping parents and carers, including blended, foster and adoptive families, with family issues.
I'm fully insured for professional liability with a specialist provider of insurance for psychotherapists. My insurance reference is HIS91449 of GINS Limited T/A Holistic Insurance Services.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before booking an initial session, I offer a free, no obligation telephone call on 07700 806464 to briefly discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have, including fees.
For face-to-face sessions, I'm based in a modern, light and private office in Union Street, St Helier. I also work online.
Each psychotherapy session lasts an hour.I'm registered for private health care referrals with range of providers, including Bupa: https://www.finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultant/view/278807/msclairestanley
ABOUT ME
I live in a family with a bunch of teenagers, young adults, and pets. We’ve had our share of ups and downs, and manage our bundles of flaws and qualities with varying degrees of competency.
But my ‘typical’ and ‘normal’ won’t be yours and I hope I can put a foot in your shoe if you work with me, and that you’ll feel comfortable enough to tell me if I get it wrong.

I work with

• Children and young people
• Families
• Individuals
• Private healthcare referrals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Family and Systemic Psychotherapist
• Family Therapist
• Systemic Family and Couple Psychotherapist
• Systemic Psychotherapist