Arlette Kavanagh - Systemic Family Psychotherapist -UKCP & AFT reg

About me

Parenting can be can be tough, right!? I’m sure I am not the first person to say this and I am sure that I won’t be the last.

In today’s day and age parents and young people are facing unprecedented demands. parents are experiencing financial stress ( which may be job related) and child rearing and parenting challenges. Whilst our children and young people face many transitions from school to puberty, whilst managing the demands and dilemmas of social media.

These demands can often compete and conflict causing stress for parents and children which can result in challenging, frustrating, and painful interactions for everyone involved. I have first hand experience of these demands in my own personal life and see similar challenges faced by the families that I work with. I want to say that help is out there, you are not alone.

If your child is experiencing challenges but is reluctant/unable to come to therapy or to seek help, that's is okay, we can work together to help understand what is going on for you and your child and how best you can support and help at home.

I am a qualified and experienced systemic psychotherapist with 20 years of experience of working with children and families in different settings, including CAMHS, NHS Local Authorities and Charitable organisations . I am passionate about supporting families through challenging times. I work with individuals, couples and family groups.

    "an entire family can be changed through the efforts of one person" Mary Bowen

I am particularly experienced in working with children, young people and their families who have Special Educational needs and those who have experienced traumatic life experiences.

What can you expect from me

• Time to connect, explore and understand challenges in a safe accepting non-judgmental space.
• A warm, compassionate and solution-focused approach where everyone has the space to speak and to be heard.
• Support to identify shared goals that will improve the quality of life for you and your family.
• An initial (no obligation) telephone consultation to understand your situation and how we can work together to address your needs.
• Confidential, professional approach focused on you and your family.

What challenges can we work on together?

My approach and experience can be used in a number of change related areas including, but not limited to;

• Family communication and resolution of conflict.
• Trauma / Adverse Childhood Experiences ( physical abuse, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect)
• Anxiety
• Mental health difficulties / diagnosis within the family
• Child issues and self harm
• Support for Foster Carers and Children and YP who are experienced in the care system.
• Childhood challenging behavior
• Working with children,YP and adults who have additional needs (SEN, cognitive difficulties)
• Bereavement/loss.
• Parenting/ co-parenting / Carer challenges
• School related issues

Where do I work?

I work across the North East of England, I am happy to make arrangements to see you close to your home in a mutually agreeable location.

If you are not based in he North East of England please do not hesitate to call as we may be able to arrange working via SKYPE.

Please feel free to contact me to have an informal discussion about your needs and how we can work together.