Qualifications and Experience

 

• Masters in Integrative Arts Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy

Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education

• Diploma of Higher Education: Occupational Therapy; University of East London

• Registered member of the Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education

• HCPC registered

• UKCP member

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About me

 

I have been working with children and adolescents for most of my working life and feel passionately about working collaboratively to enable this age group to reach their full potential. Much of my work has involved delivering positive mental health programmes, and providing parenting support groups for those parents with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

 

I have been fortunate to have worked in a number of settings including: residential units for children in the care sector, an inpatient NHS adolescent unit, ex-pat communities in Singapore; providing relocation support for those struggling with school related issues, and primary and secondary schools.

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My approach

 

I regard psychotherapy as a way of looking after ourselves, much in the same way we might do exercise for our physical health. All development is a series of stages and it might be that your child or adolescent needs more support and guidance at one particular stage, which will help you as a family come to a clearer understanding of what might be going on.

 

As an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, I am trained to use creative ways chosen by your child to help them understand their feelings and behaviours. This might include play, movement, painting, clay and puppet work. Of course some children and in particular teenagers, will simply want to talk. I work very closely with parents and families and when appropriate, joint parent-child sessions can be hugely beneficial. I also work solely with parents who simply want an objective professional opinion about their family dynamics.

 

I have particular experience in, but not limited to;

• Trauma

• Adoption and Fostering/Children in the care system

• Eating disorders

• Self-harming

• Diagnosed mental health disorder

 

My sessions with the child/young person are confidential unless I am worried about theirs or another person’s safety. However, I do of course liaise with parents to understand themes which have come up.

 

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