Approach to Therapy

I aim to create a friendly and collaborative environment in therapy, so that the young people I work with can make sense of how they are feeling in a compassionate and judgement-free setting. 

The therapist-client relationship is central to effective therapy, so it’s important that each child I work with feels comfortable and listened to, and is encouraged to discuss and reflect on difficult subjects in their own time and on their terms.

I tend to use an integrative approach which means that I draw on a range of different models in order to tailor therapy for individual need, rather than using a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I aim to make therapy sessions creative and engaging. I predominantly draw on cognitive-behavioural theory while using ideas from compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. 

I also draw on systemic theories and so recognise that problems and solutions to problems don’t exist in isolation. I consider how a young person’s environment (e.g. family, school) may help the child overcome the difficulties they are facing & move forward in life. With this in mind, I also offer parent sessions to offer advice and guidance around how they can help support their child, alongside 1:1 therapy.