An integrative Approach
Younger children often express their feelings, thoughts and inner experiences through play, creativity and imagination. In therapy, play and art may become the child’s natural language.
Older children may benefit from a combination of talking and creative exploration. I am trained in both talking and play therapy, and offer an integrative approach that adapts to the young person’s developmental stage, needs and preferences.
As part of my play therapy work, I offer a range of creative methods including drawing, storytelling, sand tray work and imaginative play. These approaches support the development of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and can help children explore feelings, experiences and difficulties in their lives.
By following the child’s pace and interests, I aim to understand what may be happening beneath the surface and how they can best be supported in their emotional, social and personal development. The focus is not simply on changing behaviour, but on understanding what the behaviour may be communicating.
Working with Parents / Carers
Alongside play therapy sessions, I maintain regular communication with parents and carers, discuss progress, and we may consider how best to support the child beyond the therapy room. The form and frequency of this communication will be tailored to each family's needs, taking into account the child's age, developmental stage, and individual circumstances. Throughout this process, I carefully balance keeping parents informed with protecting the child's privacy and the trusting therapeutic relationship.
Who I work with
I work with children aged 4–11 who are experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties, including low self-esteem, excessive worry, peer relationship difficulties, bullying, grief and bereavement, family separation or restructure, oppositional or challenging behaviour, social anxiety, school performance anxiety, low mood, and attachment-related difficulties. These are just some of the areas I can support, and this is not an exhaustive list.
Is this the right fit?
The free 20-minute phone call offers an opportunity to explore whether this approach may be suitable for your child and family. A parent or carer assessment meeting helps establish this further. The initial session with the child also forms part of the assessment process and helps us understand whether they feel comfortable and able to engage in therapy. If I believe another service would better meet your child's needs, I will discuss this with you and, where possible, offer appropriate signposting.
Confidentiality and Safeguarding
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Therapy offers children and young people a confidential space to explore their thoughts and feelings through play, creativity and conversation
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To support trust, the detailed content of sessions is not routinely shared with parents or carers. However, Parents and carers are an important part of the therapeutic process and will be involved through regular updates, where we may discuss the child's progress and engagement in therapy, emerging needs, and how we can all work together to support the child.
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The limits of confidentiality will be explained to both parents and children at the outset. If there are any concerns about a child or another person's safety or welfare, I have professional duty to share relevant information in line with safeguarding responsibilities.
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I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and current safeguarding guidance.
Fees and Structure
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I offer a free 20-minute introductory phone consultation to discuss your concerns and explore whether the therapy I offer is the right fit.
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Parent or carer assessment meeting: £60 (50 minutes). This meeting takes place before a child begins therapy and provides an opportunity to explore your concerns, gather background information, and consider your child's needs.
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Child therapy sessions: £60 (50 minutes, in person).
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I work collaboratively with parents and carers throughout the therapeutic process. Regular communication and feedback are included as part of your child's therapy and may take the form of brief conversations, phone calls, and occasional review meetings where needed. The nature and frequency of this communication will depend on your child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs, while always respecting the child's privacy and the trusting therapeutic relationship.
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A minimum commitment of 12 child sessions is recommended to allow time for the therapeutic relationship to develop and for meaningful therapeutic work to take place.
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Child therapy sessions take place in Hove: 69 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2BB.
