My Approach

Ultimately, relationship is at the core of my approach. It is through a strong, open and meaningful connection that we will gently look to explore a young person's world and experiences. Over time, this can make a real and lasting difference in how they see themselves, their potential, and for their relationships with others.

I am passionate about making counselling as accessible as possible. The support I offer gives children and young people (between the ages of 8-18) a safe, relaxed and confidential space. I look to understand their difficulties from their own perspective and create an environment which enables them to express themselves more fully. And have fun!

Starting counselling can often seem a bit intimidating or scary, but I normally find that it doesn't usually take long for young people to enjoy and look forward to their sessions.

The length and type of therapy offered is based on the needs of the child or young person and is decided together with the child and their family, following an initial assessment.

Whilst respecting the confidentiality of the young person's therapy and process, I aim to ensure a parent feels part of their child's counselling journey.

My Qualifications, Experience and Professional Associations:
I am registered with UKCP and uphold their code of ethics; I completed a three-year Post Graduate Diploma in Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the University of Cambridge in 2023, as well as a one-year Diploma in Counselling Studies in 2019. I undertake regular professional development courses, together with safeguarding training. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and have Professional Liability Insurance.

Before training as a child and adolescent psychotherapeutic counsellor, I gained over a decade of experience working with young people within the youth work and charity sector. This experience helps me to have an understanding of the many different challenges young people and their families can face, as well as the struggle often involved in finding the right kind of support.
Outside of my private work, I maintain counselling work based in schools. I have gained experience working with a wide range of issues, including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, family difficulties, gender and sexuality concerns, trauma, addiction and more.

My Theoretical Orientation:
My approach is Integrative, informed primarily by Person Centred, Attachment Theory and Psychodynamic thinking. I use talking, arts and play to facilitate relationship building and communication.

Contact:
My counselling space is located in Bury St. Edmunds. If you would like to discuss your concerns regarding your child or young person, please contact me via email sam@storylinecounselling.co.uk with your name and contact details so that we can arrange a phone call.

About Me

My Support:
Making sense of feelings and experiences can involve more than just talking. Sometimes a range of different media and art forms can be a useful way in and can feel less intense than one-to-one conversation. Based on each young person's individual preferences, we may use a mixture of music, painting, drawing, clay, a sand tray, collage or other crafts.

I work with

• Children and young people
• Individuals

Types of Therapies Offered

• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

What I can help with

• Abuse
• Addiction
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Bereavement
• Bullying
• Cultural Issues
• Depression
• Family
• Gender
• Identity Problems
• Mental Health Issues
• Phobias
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Relationships
• Sexuality
• Step Families
• Stress
• Trauma