Child Therapy Services

Appointments

Initially, we would arrange a phone consultation to understand the needs of your child. If I think I can help, we discuss a time for an initial assessment. After that, sessions are weekly for as long as the child needs them.

What issues can I help with?

I use a range of creative arts therapy techniques including play, sand-tray, puppets, drama and music therapy which is proven to be highly effective for treating:

• Anxiety and depression

• Behaviour problems

• Low confidence and low self-esteem

• Bereavement

• Feelings around divorce

• PTSD

• Post-natal depression

• Anger issues

• ADHD

• ASD

• Effects of bullying

• Self-harming

• Eating disorders

• Abuse and neglect

Having a space to explore emotions through the arts and play is the best way to help a child feel better.

Research in neuroscience shows that emotions and life experiences are usually stored in the right side of the brain which is our creative and non-verbal side.

Creative activities can access stored feelings, giving a great way to communicate these feelings to the therapist so that it becomes a shared experience. The experience can then be worked on within the safe space of the therapists’ counselling room.

The child or young adult can use mini world characters to play out troubling scenes, use painting or clay or role-play to process feelings and begin to talk about as well as developing their sense of self and inner confidence.

Why does it work?

Each session lasts 50 minutes.

Within that time, the child or adolescent is encouraged to choose whatever they like to use and is given the space to express themselves freely (within safe boundaries) during the course of the session. They may simply want to chat and discuss what is going on for them.

The therapist helps the child to understand their emotions, to process difficult experiences and to help them discover their true and authentic self.

What happens in a session?

How can parents be involved?

As a parent, you are in the best position to help support your child.

As part of the therapeutic process, I offer insights and strategies that you can use at home and have regular parent meetings.

At my practice, there is also a comfortable place for you to wait or to enjoy a calming and refreshing walk in the countryside.

How long does it take to feel better?

Treatment generally lasts from six weeks to a year, depending on the complexity and needs of the child. You will expect to see results fairly soon, sometimes even after the first session! My aim is to provide the best and most effective service possible.

How much does it cost?

I offer a sliding scale, depending on income. My average rate is £65/session.

I can also provide private therapy for children in your home. Please enquire if this is something you would like.