
COUNSELLING
Counselling
My approach centres on individual needs, adapting my communication style accordingly. I utilise person-centred "talking therapy" for emotionally aware individuals and integrate creative techniques like storytelling, drawing, and games for those who struggle with emotional expression. With experience working with neurodiverse children, I tailor my approach to suit their unique needs, considering sensory issues, and providing visual aids, structured sessions, and simplified concepts. This personalised support considers the distinctive strengths and challenges of each child.
I keep the young person’s information confidential, but I also share guidance, advice, and coping strategies and insights with parents, if the young person agrees, to give them support beyond our counselling sessions. Furthermore, I offer individual counselling sessions for parents, assisting them in managing their personal emotions and challenges related to parenting.
I use an integrative approach in my counselling work with children and young people, which means I tailor my therapy to suit each individual’s needs and preferences. I draw on various theoretical frameworks and techniques that are most suitable for the person I am working with. Here is a brief overview of the therapeutic approaches I adopt in my work as a Children and Young Persons Counsellor.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Is a way to help people manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It teaches them how their thoughts can affect how they feel and act. In CBT, they learn skills to identify and change negative thoughts, which can help them feel better and deal with challenges in a more positive way. It's like training the mind to think in healthier ways, which can lead to changes in behaviour and improved emotional well-being.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)
is a specific type of therapy designed to help teenagers manage their emotions, enhance their relationships, and navigate challenging situations. It provides teenagers with practical skills to cope with intense feelings, communicate effectively, and handle stress. At the same time, DBT-A often involves educating parents about these skills so they can support their teenagers more effectively. Just like giving both teenagers and parents a set of tools to make handling life's challenges smoother, fostering greater confidence and improved family connections.

Person-Centred Therapy
emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and genuine understanding, allowing the young person to express themselves freely without judgment. This "talking therapy" approach is effective for those with strong emotional awareness and communication skills.

Creative Therapy
Creative therapy is a way of expressing feelings and thoughts using art, play, games, sand tray, storytelling or other creative activities instead of just talking. It helps people, especially children and young people, show what they're going through when words might be hard to find. This can help them understand themselves better and find new ways to deal with their emotions.
