I am passionate about helping young people (aged 8 to 17) improve and maintain their own mental health, well-being and resilience (privately and in group situations including in schools).
Many of my young clients arrive struggling with anxiety (which can include fears, phobias, eating disorders and self-harming) and stress, as well as low mood and a lack of self-confidence. Or they have phobias (such a a fear of dogs) or a habit (biting their nails) that they want to overcome.
I work with them to build up their self-esteem and self-confidence, empowering them and helping them recognise that they already have everything they need inside them to be mentally healthy such as resilience, well-being and peace of mind. Helping them live their lives to the full.
- I teach them numerous techniques, to use in their everyday lives, to reduce the symptoms of anxiety or depression etc. that they experience.
- We discuss how their thoughts, emotions, behaviours and physical sensations can all effect how they feel.
- Together we safely explore what is upsetting or bothering them and unravel those situations and thoughts, reframing them in a more helpful and positive light.
- They may be given tasks to complete at home which support the work done in the therapy sessions. For example keeping a gratitude journal, or making notes of situations that have upset them or recurring thoughts that bother them so we can discuss them in a future session.
- We address and challenge any self-limiting beliefs or rules they live by that are no longer helpful as they restrict their lives in some way. For example “I can’t talk to a group” or “I don’t like doing new things”.
- I also work with the parents/guardians listening to any concerns they have and providing them with additional guidance to further support their child at home.