Services

Neurodevelopmental Assessments

We offer both autism and ADHD assessments. Our neurodevelopmental assessments for autism and ADHD follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines. Before proceeding with a full diagnostic assessment, all referrals are triaged through a free screening process, involving triage questionnaires and a phone call. Please get in contact for further detail.

Therapeutic Support

We all feel overwhelmed or struggle with our emotional wellbeing from time to time and this is quite normal. However, sometimes a parent or young person may feel that they need some extra help if they are feeling particularly stuck with a certain problem and are not sure how to move forward.

Examples of difficulties with which a child may need extra support: 

  • Anxiety

  • Depression/low mood

  • Trauma

  • Phobias

  • OCD

  • Low self-esteem

  • Grief/bereavement

A Clinical Psychologist can offer a unique perspective on challenges like these; using evidence-based approaches and an in-depth understanding of biological, psychological and sociological aspects of mental health and child development.

I specialise in working with children and young people aged 4-18, and can work collaboratively with you and your child to equip you with knowledge, resources and coping strategies about how to move forward.

Here is what you can expect from us working together:

 
 

Free Telephone Consultation

Each time I work with a new young person and their family, the journey begins with a free 30-minute telephone consultation.

This is a chance for you to tell me a little bit about any challenges you feel your child is facing and what outcomes you and your family are hoping to achieve from therapeutic support. In turn, I will tell you a little bit about me and you can ask me any questions about the support I can offer.

 
 

Assessment & Formulation

In most circumstances, our first face-to-face meeting would be in a session for assessment and formulation - understanding the cause and nature of the challenges your child is experiencing.

This is usually longer than a typical therapy session and will require both the parent(s) and child to be present. Through discussion, we will together develop an understanding of the difficulties and plan a tailored course of therapy for the young person and family.

 
 

One-to-one Therapy

I aim to make therapy sessions creative and engaging, providing a compassionate and non-judgemental space for young people and their parents to understand and reflect upon what they are feeling.

Every child and their experience is unique, so I draw on a range of different psychological models in order to tailor therapy for individual needs.

I predominantly draw on cognitive-behavioural theory while using ideas from compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. Our sessions will equip children, young people and their families with a better understanding of themselves and give them tools and coping strategies specific to the challenges they face.

These sessions are usually once a week for approximately 50 minutes.

 
 

Sessions for Parents & Families

Alongside 1:1 therapy for young people, I consider how a child’s environment (e.g. family, school) may help them overcome the difficulties they are facing & move forward in life. With this in mind, I also offer guidance sessions for parents to offer a reflective space, resources and evidence-based techniques around how they can help support their child in the short-term and long-term.

 
 
 

Next Steps

If you would like to know more, please get in touch via our contact form or by emailing drbarnespsychology@gmail.com to arrange a free 30-minute phone consultation.