My Approach

Being child centred, I seek to attune to the child or young person in order to discover what might be needed, and working largely non-directively, I will at times also use a more directive approach. Whilst the therapeutic relationship is central to the process, I use creative methods e.g. drawing, story, elements of enactment, and in particular sandplay in which I have recently completed further training with the Association for Sandplay Therapy and am currently AST Trainee Sandplay Practitioner. Working with creativity provides a symbolic language in which to explore thoughts, feelings, experiences, relationships, and express a full range of feelings without necessarily using words. This can be a freeing and hopeful experience where the child or young person feels a sense of their own agency which in itself can be empowering. In order to support those whose spontaneity is arrested, additional helpful structure may be provided to support the child and appropriately robust boundaries put in place where a child is needing more containment. Working at their own pace the child may work through previously missed or interrupted developmental stages, thereby improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety, increasing vitality, helping discharge feelings, gaining insights and new understandings.

In order for therapeutic work to be effective and appropriate, it is important to stress that there does need to be a level of stability in the child's current circumstances.

About Me

Having recently retired after 16yrs working in an NHS CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), I now offer Psychotherapeutic Counselling interventions on a one-to-one basis to children and young people at my private practice. I have a creative and performing arts background and use creative methods in my work. I have worked alongside and been influenced by drama therapists, art therapists, play therapists, psychotherapists. I have worked with children from as young as 6yrs to 17yrs from diverse backgrounds including looked after and adopted children and young people.

I work with

• Children and young people
• Individuals

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

• Child Psychotherapeutic Counsellor