Under 18s

Therapy helps children and young people understand and express themselves, and offers a space to process difficult experiences. Therapy helps provide tools that help children and young people reduce anxiety and build self-esteem. Having a regular supportive space can be a source of relief, comfort, creativity and play.

Sessions take place in person, in the same room and at the same time each week for ongoing therapy, whether in a school setting or in my therapy room in Bath. Consistency is key to building trust and psychological safety. 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 play close attention to the way children and young people relate to me in our sessions; often we are able to think together about this in a way that supports greater self and parental understanding.

Although the work in our sessions is confidential, I work with parents, families, and carers to support therapy with the young person. Where relevant, I am also able to support other professionals who work with children and young people to help them gain a deeper understanding of the child’s emotional world, at times liaising with key support or school staff.

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 identify the focus of therapy and the desired outcome.