Malgorzata Pietrzyk

Hello, my name is Malgorzata Krzywanska, and I am a qualified Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. I have been working therapeutically with children and young people for many years, both within schools and in private practice.

I understand that deciding to seek therapy for your child can sometimes feel like a big step. As a parent, you may have concerns about your child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships, development or confidence, and you may not always know what kind of support would be most helpful. I aim to provide a warm, safe and accepting space where your child can feel comfortable being themselves and, importantly, feel listened to and understood.

I completed my MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents at Birkbeck, University of London, in 2011. I am also an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly undertake specialist training, workshops and symposiums to continue developing my knowledge and therapeutic skills.

My specialist experience
My work has a particular focus on children and young people and on understanding the individual needs of each child. I have undertaken specialist training in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD, as well as training in social skills development.

I understand that children with ASD or ADHD may experience the world differently and can sometimes find communication, friendships, emotional regulation or social situations particularly challenging. I aim to meet each child where they are, rather than expecting them to fit into a particular way of communicating or behaving.

I have also completed training in Talking and Drawing, a creative therapeutic approach that can give children another way to communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences. For some children, talking directly about what is troubling them can feel difficult. Drawing and other creative ways of expressing themselves can help them communicate at their own pace and in a way that feels natural to them.

I have undertaken further specialist training in childhood trauma and have an interest in supporting children who have experienced difficult, frightening or overwhelming experiences. My approach is gentle and sensitive, with particular attention to helping children feel safe, understood and emotionally supported.

My areas of professional interest include child development, adoption and attachment, childhood depression, anxiety, emotional difficulties, abuse and trauma, as well as difficulties associated with ASD and ADHD.

My approach
Every child is different, and I believe that therapy should be tailored to the individual child rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

I take time to build a trusting relationship with each child and to understand their world from their perspective. Depending on their age and individual needs, therapy may involve talking, play, drawing and other creative ways of exploring feelings and experiences.

I also recognise the important role parents and carers play in a child's emotional wellbeing. Where appropriate, I work collaboratively with parents and carers, offering support and helping them develop a better understanding of what their child may be experiencing.

My aim is not simply to focus on difficulties, but to help children develop a greater understanding of themselves, build confidence and emotional resilience, strengthen their relationships and feel more able to manage life's challenges.

My experience
Over the course of my career, I have worked in both organisational and private settings across London, supporting children and young people in schools and counselling services.

I currently work as part of a counselling service within a London secondary school, where I support young people experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

Alongside my school-based work, I have been running my private practice since 2012, supporting children, adolescents and families through periods of emotional difficulty, change and uncertainty.

I feel privileged to do this work. For me, one of the most important aspects of being a therapist is creating a relationship in which a child feels genuinely seen, heard and accepted. I hope to offer both children and their parents a sense that they do not have to face difficulties alone.

How I Can Help Your Child
Children and young people can sometimes struggle to explain what they are feeling or why they are finding things difficult. Changes in behaviour, withdrawal, anxiety, difficulties at school or problems with friendships can sometimes be signs that a child needs some additional support.

You may have noticed that your child is becoming more anxious, unhappy, withdrawn or overwhelmed. Perhaps they are struggling socially, finding it difficult to manage their emotions, experiencing low self-esteem, or having difficulties at school or at home. You may also be looking for support following an experience of trauma, adoption, or a significant change in their life.

Whatever has brought you to seek support, I aim to provide a safe and accepting environment where your child can feel understood and supported.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
I support children with ASD who may experience difficulties with communication, friendships, social situations, emotional regulation or adapting to change.

I recognise that every child with ASD is different. My approach is individualised and focuses on understanding your child's particular strengths, needs and way of experiencing the world. I can also help children develop social understanding and confidence through appropriately tailored social skills work.

ADHD
Children with ADHD can sometimes experience difficulties with attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, friendships and managing everyday demands.

Therapeutic support can provide a space where children can better understand their emotions and experiences, develop strategies for managing difficult situations and build confidence in their abilities.

Anxiety and Worries
Children can experience anxiety in many different ways. They may worry excessively, become withdrawn, have difficulty separating from parents, struggle with school attendance, experience physical symptoms, or become overwhelmed by situations that previously felt manageable.

Therapy can give children a safe place to explore their worries and understand what may be behind them, while gradually developing greater confidence in managing difficult feelings.

Low Mood and Depression
Sometimes children and young people can appear unhappy, withdrawn, irritable or lacking in motivation. They may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed or feel that they are not good enough.

I offer a supportive space where children can explore these feelings without fear of judgement and begin to understand what may be contributing to their low mood.

Trauma and Difficult Experiences
Children who have experienced trauma, abuse, loss or other frightening or overwhelming experiences may struggle to make sense of what has happened to them.

I have undertaken specialist training in childhood trauma and provide a sensitive, child-centred approach. Therapy can help children gradually develop a sense of safety and find ways of expressing and understanding experiences that may be difficult to put into words.

Adoption, Attachment and Change
Adoption and other significant changes in a child's life can bring a complex mixture of feelings. Children may have questions about their identity, relationships, belonging or early experiences, even when they find these feelings difficult to express.

I have a particular professional interest in adoption, attachment and child development and can provide a safe space for children to explore their feelings and experiences at their own pace.

Social Difficulties and Friendships
Making and maintaining friendships can be challenging for some children and young people. They may feel left out, misunderstood or unsure how to respond in social situations.

Through my training in social skills development, I can support children in developing their understanding of social interactions, communication and relationships, while helping them build confidence in their own abilities.

Low Self-Esteem and Confidence
A child who feels that they are not good enough, struggles with comparison to others, or lacks confidence may begin to withdraw or avoid situations that feel challenging.

Therapy can provide an opportunity for children to develop a more positive understanding of themselves, recognise their strengths and gradually build confidence.

Emotional Regulation
Some children experience emotions very intensely and may find it difficult to manage anger, frustration, sadness, worry or disappointment. This can sometimes lead to emotional outbursts, withdrawal or difficulties at home and school.

I can help children develop a better understanding of their emotions and find ways of expressing and managing difficult feelings in a way that feels appropriate for them.

Talking and Drawing
Not every child finds it easy to talk directly about their feelings. This is why I also use approaches that allow children to communicate in ways that feel more natural to them.

I have undertaken training in Talking and Drawing, which can provide children with a creative way to explore and communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences. Drawing can sometimes help children express things that are difficult to explain with words alone.

Every Child Is Different
There is no single way of responding to emotional difficulties, and I believe that therapy should be adapted to the individual child.

My priority is to build a trusting relationship with your child and create a space where they feel safe, respected, and listened to. We can work together to understand what they are experiencing and identify ways of helping them feel more confident and able to cope.

If you are concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing, you do not have to wait until things become overwhelming before seeking support. Sometimes having a safe space to talk can be an important first step.

What Happens When You Contact Me?
Taking the first step towards therapy for your child can sometimes feel difficult. You may be unsure whether therapy is right for your child, what to expect, or even how to explain your concerns.

When you contact me, we can begin with a confidential initial conversation about what has been happening and what has led you to seek support. This allows you to tell me about your child's situation, ask questions, and discuss any concerns you may have.

There is no expectation that you need to have everything worked out before you contact me. You may simply have a feeling that your child is struggling or that something has changed. We can talk this through together.

The initial conversation
I will take time to listen to your concerns and learn a little about your child's development, relationships, family circumstances and current difficulties. We can also discuss any relevant diagnosis, assessment or support your child may already be receiving.

I will explain how I work and answer any questions you may have about therapy, including how sessions are structured, how parents and carers are involved, and what you can expect from the therapeutic process.

Meeting your child
If we decide that therapy may be appropriate, I will arrange an opportunity to meet your child.

Building a trusting relationship takes time, particularly if a child is anxious, unsure about therapy, or has had difficult experiences with adults in the past. I therefore allow the relationship to develop at a pace that feels comfortable for the child.

Depending on their age and individual needs, sessions may involve talking, drawing, creative activities or other ways of communicating. Your child does not have to arrive knowing what they want to talk about.

Working together with parents
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting a child's emotional wellbeing. I therefore believe that, where appropriate, it is helpful to work collaboratively with parents while also giving the child their own safe and private therapeutic space.

We can discuss how best to support your child outside therapy and how we can work together around their emotional needs.

Confidentiality is an important part of helping a child feel safe in therapy. I will discuss with you how confidentiality works and the circumstances in which information may need to be shared to safeguard your child.

There is no judgement
As a parent, you may have questions about whether you have done something wrong or whether you should have sought help sooner. My approach is supportive and non-judgemental.

Children's difficulties can arise for many different reasons, and seeking support is not a sign that you have failed as a parent. Reaching out can simply be a way of showing your child that you are there for them.

My role is to listen, understand, and help you and your child make sense of what is happening.

Taking the first step
If you are worried about your child's emotional wellbeing, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss your concerns.

You do not need to know exactly what your child needs before contacting me. We can start with a conversation and consider together whether my approach and experience may be appropriate for your child.

Sometimes, the first step towards helping a child is simply giving them a safe place to be heard.

£60.00 per session