Children and Teens

Because every child and young person is unique, I work in an integrative and holistic way, drawing on my experience, knowledge of different approaches, and belief in meeting each child’s individual developmental needs. My work is grounded in the person-centred approach, focusing on the here and now, and meeting children and young people where they are. I also consider wider needs, including neurodiversity, emotional regulation, and the importance of building positive, trusting relationships.

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Children (11 years and under)

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I offer a gentle, child-led way of working for younger children, helping them understand and express their thoughts and feelings in ways that feels natural to them. Sessions are shaped around each child’s needs and developmental stage, often using play, creativity, and appropriate conversation to support expression.

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At the heart of this work is the focus on building a trusting relationship, the most valuable aspect of helping children feel safe, accepted, and understood. This can lead to being able to support emotional regulation, confidence, and self-esteem. Counselling as a form of support for younger children provides a complementary and alterative approach to Play Therapy, which is a well-established model using play as the primary form of communication. While Play Therapy is highly effective for many younger children, counselling offers an alternative approach that can incorporate play alongside other techniques, enabling sessions to be tailored to each child’s individual needs, preferences, and developmental stage.

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For younger children, I offer a series of assessment sessions that allow me to gauge the child’s needs, engagement, and preferred ways of communicating. If it appears that play therapy would be a more appropriate approach, I can provide a referral to a qualified play therapist.

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Teenagers (12–17 years)

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When working with teenagers, I adopt a flexible, integrative approach that recognises the unique challenges and developmental needs of adolescence. I combine conversational and reflective techniques with creative activities, enabling teens to explore their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel engaging and accessible to them. Sessions are highly collaborative, paced according to each teen’s comfort and readiness, allowing them to express themselves safely while developing emotional awareness, self-reflection, and problem-solving skills.

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I use a variety of approaches tailored to each teen’s individual needs, incorporating psychoeducation to provide insight into emotions, relationships, and life skills. Creative methods such as art, writing, or other expressive exercises, offer additional pathways for self-expression and exploration, particularly for those who find verbal communication challenging.

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Central to my work is building a trusting, respectful relationship, where teens feel heard, valued, and supported. This relational focus empowers them to make choices that align with their own values and goals, fostering resilience, self-confidence, and a stronger sense of agency. My aim is to provide a space where teenagers not only process difficulties but also discover their strengths and capacities for growth.

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Additional Support

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Alongside counselling and psychotherapy, I am also able to offer a range of creative and relational interventions to support emotional expression and connection. These include Advanced Drawing and Talking, LEGO® Therapy, and Parent-Child Attachment Play (PCAP), delivered through individual sessions or small group work over a set period of weeks.

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If your child has an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP), I can provide support to help meet emotional wellbeing outcomes. With experience in alternative education and independent mentoring, I work with neurodiverse young people and those with special educational needs to build confidence, develop coping strategies, and make meaningful progress. I also provide clear, supportive reports to help families and schools track development and celebrate strengths.

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