Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy
Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, M Prof Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy, Diploma Psychodynamic Approaches to Working With Adolescents, Diploma Psychoanalytic Observational Studies, Foundation in Art Therapy, Post Graduate Certificate in Education, BA(Hons) Art & Design, ACP regd.
mob: 07437 – 581619
I am a fully qualified Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist and registered member of the Association of Child Psychotherapists.
With a background in teaching Art and Design and Special Educational Needs, I have considerable experience of working with children, young people and families and have always believed in children’s creative potential to grow and develop when supportive relationships are available.
However, both my own experience of parenting and work supporting children and families in their struggle with complex and challenging learning difficulties (in nursery, primary, secondary and adolescent in-patient education settings) taught me that this isn’t always a straight forward process. The experience of learning and development can stir up powerful feelings for children and parents which can sometimes cause lots of worry and anxiety.
My passion to become a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist grew out of my desire to help children who struggle to understand and express their feelings, who often find ways of coping that can confuse and challenge the adults in their lives. I saw how this child-led therapy gave children and parents the support to put their feelings into words and resolve issues that could otherwise cause mounting distress and difficulties.
Whilst working in a large NHS Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service I had the privilege of helping children, parents and carers to address a range of emotional and behavioural problems including separation anxieties, attachment disorder, relationship problems, depression, developmental trauma, physical, emotional and sexual abuse, low self-esteem, anger, bereavement and loss, self-harm, ASD, ADHD and other learning difficulties. This work involved specialist assessments, brief and longer-term therapies, parent and family support, teaching and consultation to other professionals. I had considerable involvement with Looked-After and Adopted children, families and services.
Individual Therapy Sessions
The work of the therapy takes place within the relationship between the child or young person and therapist. The more the therapeutic setting and framework is secure, the more your child will be able to trust using therapy to think about the things which are troubling him or her. It can be difficult work so it’s important to have a safe and predictable space to do it. My sessions usually last for 50 minutes and will take place in the same room and at the same time each week. To be successful Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy requires regular commitment from both therapist and parents.
I understand that it can feel like a big step to seek help for your child’s emotional well-being, so I am mindful of the need for transparency to build trusting relationships. I work collaboratively with parents, arranging a review meeting each term to discuss your child’s progress in therapy and some parent appointments with a different therapist in order to give you an opportunity to think about family life and any worries that you may have.
It is important that children and young people know that what takes place in their therapy is confidential; however, with your consent, I can also contact other professionals (e.g. GP or school) to help them have an understanding of your child’s troubles and how they can offer support.
How long does Psychotherapy last for?
Psychotherapy with children, young people and/or parents can take a short or long period of time depending on whether a child needs help with a current situation or difficulty that is more deeply rooted. It can be as few as two to six sessions, or it can be regular sessions (1-3 times per week) on a time-limited (usually a year) or more open-ended basis. Recommendations for the length and frequency of therapy are clinically informed and dependent on the duration and extent of the difficulties experienced. This can be thought about during an assessment period.
Please call me on 07437 – 581619 for a free telephone consultation to discuss your concerns and arrange an initial appointment.
Further information about Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy can be found on www.childpsychotherapy.org.uk