Zoe Brown

Hi I'm Zoe. If you find yourself here it's likely you're a parent or carer of a child or young person, with concerns about their mental health. Or maybe you're a young person aged 18+ looking for support?

Whether it's changes in behaviour, difficulty managing emotions, or you're struggling to cope with life changes, therapy could help. I offer mental health and emotional wellbeing support for ages 5-24, adults 18+ and parents. 

Mental Health & Behaviour

Just like adults, children and young people can experience issues with their mental health and mood. Changes in mood and behaviour are usually responses to what's going on around us. Things such as stress, significant life changes, SEND, mental health needs, trauma, bereavement, relationship or family issues can affect us all. 

Behaviour changes may be more noticeable in children who may still be learning to regulate and manage their emotions. For older children or adolescents, changes in mood and behaviour can also be linked too puberty, which can be a difficult and confusing stage of life. During this time, adolescents often naturally withdraw from parents, which can heighten other areas of concern. 

Behaviour changes outside of puberty that may cause concern might include: increased anxiety, separation issues, anger, school or attendance concerns, friendship or relationship problems, erratic emotions, low self-esteem, withdrawal, low-mood, self-harm or depression. 

When people reach out for therapy it's often when they have reached a point where they feel helpless or lost. As a parent myself I understand how hard it can be supporting a child through a difficult time and sometimes the bravest thing we can do is ask for help. 

Therapy with Children

I work with ages 5-24, with extensive experience with primary aged children. 

Therapy with children involves me working with their whole needs in mind. This means me thinking of key areas like home, school and their close relationships, in addition to what I observe in the room and what is shared by parents. 

As young children often have very little control over change in their lives, it's important for parents and carers to understand that therapy may not offer a quick fix, especially if there are other areas of the child's life that might need attention. 

Therapy can act as a bridge between the child's worlds, where the child, myself, and their adults work together to improve outcomes for the child. 

Part of my role is to understand the world from the child's perspective, offering insight to their thoughts feelings and behaviours. It might also include exploring things they can or can't control, identifying where extra support is needed and problem solving. It's not about telling somehow how to behave or giving advice, but helping them to identify what's working and what changes might be needed. 

If a child shared a fear of the dark for example, we might explore this by working through emotions and behaviours. Where appropriate I'd make parents aware of this area of concern so they can offer support to the child at home. 

Through therapy I've helped many children find their voice, feel more confident and make sense of difficult things. Improving communication and finding ways to express wants and needs are positive steps towards becoming emotionally mature, being able to cope when difficult things happen and overcome future challenges.

How I work 

In sessions I use a mix of talking therapy, creativity, play & games. Resources are available in all sessions and people can choose whatever materials and resources are helpful for them. There is no right or wrong. 

For many children, asking and answering questions can feel too direct and intimidating, so using play, art or games can help communication and explore what's going on in a more manageable way. It's amazing how much rich conversation there can be during a game of Uno and how much more relaxed a child is when they are having fun and don't feel under pressure.

I have a warm and nurturing approach which I find helps people feel settled and at ease. Talking to someone about private or difficult things can feel daunting and my priority is to create a safe and welcoming space. 

Expectations of Therapy

Progress looks different for everyone and the number of sessions will vary depending on need, we'll discuss this before we start, and during our work.

I offer short & long term support ranging from 6 sessions upwards. For those with complex needs such as trauma, longer term work (12 sessions plus) should be expected. 

For children and young people an assessment will be completed before the first therapy session. This is a face to face appointment where I meet the child and parent together. This is a 60 minute session and is £60. If following the assessment everyone is in agreement to continue, we will look to arrange weekly sessions which are £55.

I am currently offering student discount for ages 18+ please enquire for details if you are an 18-24 year old student looking for support. 

The majority of sessions take place in my private garden room at home. This is well resourced with a wide range of art and craft resources, play-do, sand, small world figures, toys and games. I also offer support in local schools, subject to arrangement and my availability, please be aware that an additional cost will apply for my travel outside of PE4. 

Next Steps

If you would like to arrange a free initial call then please get in touch. I'm also happy to answer any questions by email. I currently have spaces available during the school day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, (9. 30 - 3pm). I work term time Tuesday to Friday. I don't offer weekend sessions and currently I don't have any after school availability. 

I charge £55 for a 50 minute face to face session held in my private practice in Peterborough. I offer a free initial phone-call (up to 30 minutes) where we can discuss your needs in further detail. I can travel to local schools where required, a small additional fee may apply for travel costs which would be discussed and agreed prior to the first session. 

I will aim to answer any enquiries within 48 hours during week days, Mon-Fri. I work term time only and usually between school hours (9-3pm). 

I have a comfortable, private garden room at home which is where most of my sessions take place. The space is well equipped with toys, games, arts and creative resources to suit a range of needs and ages. There is ample parking and toilet facilities available for clients. 

As an integrative therapist I use various therapy models in my work, including person centred, CBT, art & creativity & play. I tailor my approach to suit the individual needs of my client, working at their pace, with their goals in mind. 

I am LGBTQ+ inclusive & can accommodate wheelchair users/physical disabilities.