Working Together

Finding the right support for a child or young person can feel like a big step. I aim to make the process as clear and manageable as possible, so that you know what to expect and have opportunities to ask questions along the way.

We begin by getting to know each other and thinking together about what is happening, what might be helpful, and whether I am the right person to work with you and your child.

01 - Initial Conversation

We begin with a free, informal 15-minute conversation. This is an opportunity for you to tell me a little about what is happening, ask any questions you may have and consider whether I might be the right person to help.

There is no expectation that you will make a decision during this conversation.

02 - Getting to Know Each Other

If we decide to take the next step, we begin with an assessment period of up to six 50-minute sessions. This gives us time to understand more about what is happening and to get to know each other.

The early sessions usually begin with parents or carers, before including the child or young person.

There is no expectation that they will immediately talk about difficult things. Getting to know each other takes time, and we can find a way of beginning that feels manageable for them.

03 - Ongoing Therapy

If we decide that ongoing therapy would be helpful, we usually meet for a 50-minute session each week.

Some difficulties can be explored over a relatively short period, while others need more time. We review this together rather than assuming from the outset that therapy needs to last for a particular length of time.

More information

Parents, carers and the wider network

Parents and carers are an important part of a child's life, and sometimes working with the people around a young person can be an important part of therapy too.

I work holistically and systemically where this feels helpful and appropriate. This might include meeting with parents or carers, or working alongside other professionals involved in a young person's life.

The young person's privacy and trust are central to this work. I will only share what has been agreed with the child or young person, unless I have a safeguarding concern that means information needs to be shared.

Every young person is different. Some may want their parents involved closely, some may prefer me to meet with parents separately, and some may want their therapy to remain more private. We can talk together about what feels right for them.

Additional meetings and reports

Sometimes it is helpful to meet with parents, carers, schools or other professionals, or to prepare a written report. These are separate pieces of work and are charged for separately. We will always discuss this with you beforehand, so that you know what is involved and what the cost will be.

How long does therapy take?

There is no set length of time that therapy has to last. Some children and young people benefit from a shorter period of focused work, while others need more time to explore what is happening.

We talk about this together as the work develops, and I will let you know if I think a change in the way we are working might be helpful.

What if they don't want to talk?

They don't have to arrive knowing what they want to say, or even knowing whether they want to talk.

Some children communicate through play, drawing or other creative activities; some prefer to talk while doing something alongside another person; others gradually become more comfortable talking as the relationship develops.

We take time to find a way of working that feels right for the individual.