Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.
-Carl Jung
Having worked in a number of contexts with families and young people, I have developed a flexible and integrative approach to therapy and intervention. Although I have routes in cognitive behavioural and narrative approaches to therapy, I have advanced my training to include expertise in other therapeutic modalities such as gestalt therapy and mindfulness.
Individual therapy
Therapy provides a safe and productive space for young people to develop new skills, work through difficult events or life circumstances and overcome difficulties. Therapy may support a child’s emotional, psychological, and behavioral development in the following ways:
Helping children express and understand their feelings in a safe environment.
Teaching effective coping strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and challenging emotions.
Addressing and modifying problematic behaviors through positive reinforcement and behavior management techniques.
Equipping children with skills to navigate conflicts, whether with peers or family members.
Fostering resilience by encouraging problem-solving, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
Enhancing social interactions and relationships, by promoting effective communication and empathy.
Assisting children in processing traumatic experiences and developing a sense of safety and trust.
Providing strategies for improving family communication and dynamics, benefiting both the child and the family unit.
By taking a multimodal approach, I recognise that individuals are complex and may benefit from various methods, including cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and experiential interventions. I therefore use multiple therapeutic techniques and modalities to address a client's needs more comprehensively, hoping to improve overall wellbeing. This flexibility allows me to adapt my approach based on the unique circumstances and preferences of each child or adolescent.
Play Thearpy
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed for children, using play as a means of communication and expression. Since children often find it difficult to articulate their thoughts and feelings verbally, play therapy allows them to express themselves through toys, games, and creative activities. Overall, play therapy is an effective way to help children understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies in a way that feels natural and engaging for them.
Parent guidance & support
Parents must navigate the complexities of their children's developmental needs, manage behavioral issues, and balance their responsibilities while maintaining a supportive and nurturing environment. The pressure to meet societal expectations, coupled with feelings of guilt or inadequacy, can add to the stress. Additionally, finding time for self-care often becomes a low priority, making it difficult to recharge and stay resilient. This multifaceted journey requires constant adaptability and patience, making it one of life's most demanding yet rewarding roles.
It is for this reason that I am passionate about working collaboratively with parents and/or caregivers, helping troubleshoot difficulties, building capacity, and strengthening family relationships. My work with parents includes, but is not limited to:
helping parents reinforce the skills and strategies learned in therapy at home, promoting consistency in the child’s development and coping mechanisms.
addressing family relationships by focussing on communication strategies and interpersonal dynamics within the family unit.
educating parents about their child’s specific needs and how to respond effectively, fostering a better understanding of their child's experiences and challenges.
guiding parents on how to model healthy emotional expression and coping strategies for their children.
Learning support
Learning support encompasses various strategies and resources designed to assist individuals in their educational journeys, catering to diverse needs and learning styles.
I offer a variety of learning support packages, including group and one-on-one workshops focused on topics such as:
Study skills and exam preparation for high school learners.
Reading for meaning and understanding.
Managing test anxiety.
Time management.
Executive functioning for learners with ADHD.