Young People Therapy

For a parent it can seem overwhelming, not knowing how to help your child and bringing your young person to therapy. For this reason, I encourage young people and parents to come and meet me first. In my view, it’s important for the parents to be part of the process with their children and will invite you in for a discussion. Sometimes this is referred to as an assessment or initial consultation and can happen before a meeting with the young person takes place. This provides a chance for us to both see how best we can support your child and explore parts of the past that may have contributed to how their feeling now.

 

For young people, I work in a relational way and provide a safe space for us to gain an understanding of what can often be a confusing point in time. As adults, we often place great expectations on our young people and forget that their brains are still developing until our late 20s. I often hear phrases like ‘what’s the matter with you’ or ‘just say what’s wrong’, quite often young people (and adults), often don’t have the words to communicate their thoughts simply due to the development of the brain. For this reason, I employ the use of creative resources where possible, which can help us understand emotions that can’t be described in words. Examples include: sand tray, clay, paint, Lego, dolls, music, and mask work.

 

I have worked in young people’s services providing training, and consultation as well as supporting young people through individual referrals and in the care system, families, and support workers.