About me
Hi! I'm an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, working with children and young people, and sometimes their parents/carers & families.
I use a playful, non-judgemental & creative approach to help clients explore and process their experiences and emotions.
It can be hard for children and young people to do this without attuned support, so I aim to facilitate the work in a way that doesn't create discomfort or further distress. I draw upon play, arts and crafts, psychoeducation, storytelling and conversation to help clients process difficult life events, find new ways to think about - and strategies to navigate through - challenging situations, and enable them to feel hopeful about their future.
I also consider the wider dynamics around the child or young person - how family, school, and the wider community may influence their well-being. Where appropriate, I can work with parents/carers to think about the client's needs holistically and signpost further resources.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a UKCP-accredited, level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the University of Cambridge, as well as a PGCE in secondary teaching.
I've also completed level 1 trainings in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, CBT for Adolescents, and Theraplay, as well as short courses and CPD in order to support children in areas such as self-harming, bereavement, chronic illness, low mood, & anxiety.
I worked for three years for Family Psychology Mutual & Suffolk County Council delivering Functional Family Therapy in the community, and have also worked therapeutically in primary and specialist SEMH schools, a child & young person bereavement service, and for a charity supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Universities Psychotherapy & Counselling Association
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
Additional information
I appreciate that therapy is a significant investment of time and financial resources, and I endeavour to help clients work towards their goals as efficiently as possible, with productive and focused sessions.
However, it is important to recognise that there are no "quick fixes" for complex emotional and behavioural patterns, and the process involves the active participation of clients and families.
Progress is rarely linear, and there will often be some "home tasks" and habit-building required outside of sessions. That said, I truly believe that growth is possible at any time of life, and that even small changes can have positive impacts for individuals and their families.
Further information
I am on the DBS update service, and subscribe to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
