When working with adolescents and adults I use individual or family therapy approaches. For younger children I usually offer parental support or a family therapy approach. As part of the psychological assessment I meet children and occasionally offer a short course of individual therapy (4-6 sessions) to compliment the work I am doing with parents.
I adopt a similar psychological approach (integrating practical coping strategies with explorative work around the quality of relationships and values) regardless of symptoms or diagnoses. I believe that the therapeutic relationship and people’s motivation to engage with honesty and curiosity are key to good therapeutic outcomes.
Special Interest
Although I enjoy the diversity of working with people at different stages of life, I have a particular interest in working with adolescents and young adults. Our therapeutic work often explores themes of individuation, existentialism and identity. My therapy is also designed to equip young people with practical strategies to cope with the demands of social and academic pressure at this pivotal age.
If you or your child has suicidal ideation or are actively self-harming I am ethically and professionally bound to ensure that you are under the care of an NHS service providing a multi-disciplinary team approach, or an independent psychiatrist. I can assist in making appropriate referrals to both and will seek to do so before engaging you or your child in psychological therapy.