Therapy helps children and young people understand and express themselves, and offers a space to process difficult experiences. In my sessions with children and young people, my focus is on getting to know and understand them, reducing anxiety and building self-esteem. Having a regular supportive space can be a source of relief, play and calm. 

Sessions take place in person, in the same room and at the same time each week for ongoing therapy, in my therapy room in Bath. Weekly consistency is key to building trust. I do not work with young people online.

I provide creative materials, toys and a sandbox, so that clients have access to a range of ways to express themselves. Sessions are not prescriptive, and a flexible approach means that the young person and I can work out the best way for us to work together. Some children and young people like to talk, and others less so. Either way, therapy can be helpful. As a psychodynamic therapist, I notice the way children and young people relate to me in our sessions; often we are able to think together about this together in a way that supports understanding.

Although the work in our sessions is confidential, I often work with parents alongside the child, supporting the child’s therapy with regular parent-and-child sessions where appropriate and parent review meetings. I can also write reports where appropriate to help parents and sometimes school staff better understand the child.

The process for beginning work with a young person involves an initial brief discussion with the referrer on the phone, followed by a meeting with the parent, or parent and child together (depending on what seems most appropriate). This helps to ensure therapy is focused and useful.