RELATIONALLY
Above all else, the therapeutic relationship is key and I aim to establish a relationship based on trust and to provide an open and non-judgmental space where my young clients can learn to develop positive relationships with themselves and others around them.
WITH CREATIVITY, ACCEPTANCE AND CLIENT LED
I offer a range of art and play materials including paint, clay, puppets, mini-figures and sand tray, enabling children and young people (CYP) to communicate in a medium they have chosen and to explore all aspects of how they are feeling, in a playful and experimental manner.
Older children may want to focus on talking therapy or CBT techniques for specific issues such as anxiety, phobias or depression. In all cases I am led by my clients needs and wishes and, Importantly, they learn that any emotion or feeling is welcome.
HOLDING NEUROSCIENCE IN MIND
The approach I take when working with CYP is very much brain and body based: that is thinking about any neurological impact caused by trauma, how it affects their state of being in the world, how they experience the world around them (physiologically and emotionally) and the impact on their self-regulation, self esteem and mood.
MINDFULLY
If it is appropriate and may be of benefit, I integrate mindfulness based practices into our sessions, which helps CYP learn to choose their responses to challenging circumstances, rather than simply reacting or ‘acting out’ their difficult emotions.
