Life throws challenges our way all the time, and at times, it can feel overwhelming. We may find ourselves feeling anxious, exhausted and even like we're failing because we simply can't keep up with the ever-growing demands on our time. We push through, carry on and try to brush things under the carpet, but often this only leads to greater emotional pain, distress and, eventually, burnout. I also believe that when we're not in a good place emotionally, it can have a direct impact on those around us, particularly our children and their well-being. We all carry experiences and emotional baggage from childhood, which can shape our adult lives, influence our relationships and affect the way we parent. If any of this resonates with you, please know that you are not alone!
I truly believe we all have the inner resources to navigate whatever life throws our way, but sometimes we need a little help finding and accessing them. We can become caught up in the stories we tell ourselves, making it difficult to see a way forward. My role is to help you uncover the underlying emotions and root causes, so we can address what really matters, explore solutions and create meaningful change. Therapy takes strength, courage and commitment. It takes real bravery to look within ourselves, make sense of what's going on and, perhaps even more so, allow someone else to be part of that journey. Taking the first step can feel daunting, but often it's the hardest one to make.
This is for you if:
You or your child are struggling with anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, extreme behaviour, school anxiety and/or avoidance, low mood, OCD
Your child has special educational needs, and you and your child need help and support so you can best manage it and the way it affects the whole family
You feel anxious, stressed, overwhelmed and/or exhausted
You find parenting challenging and feel like you are not coping well with life’s everyday demands
How does therapy work:
All my sessions are client-led, meaning that you or your child are active partners in the therapeutic process. During the first few sessions, I take time to understand what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from it. When working with children, I avoid asking direct questions during the first two sessions, instead taking a non-directive approach to help them feel comfortable, relaxed and safe in my presence.
Child therapy sessions involve counselling through therapeutic and creative play, the Ollie and His Superpowers model, and mindfulness-based CBT techniques. All sessions are child-led and tailored to each child's individual needs. I use a variety of resources, including sand therapy, art and creative materials, soft toys, Lego, Play-Doh and clay, to help children communicate their stories, express their feelings and make sense of what is happening in their lives. My main aim is to help children develop a greater understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
I also offer parent coaching sessions, where I provide detailed feedback on your child's progress, alongside practical coping strategies, helpful tips and guidance on how best to manage challenging behaviours.
When working with adults, I encourage you to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours and life circumstances. This can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, greater self-awareness and acceptance of what you are experiencing.
The therapeutic journey doesn't always follow a straight or predictable path. It can often feel like a rollercoaster, with peaks, troughs, twists and turns. At times, things may feel harder before they begin to improve. Therapy isn't about finding a quick fix, and accepting this can sometimes be challenging. My role is to walk alongside you throughout the journey, whatever it may bring, while helping you develop greater self-awareness, understanding and self-compassion.
I'm often asked how many sessions are needed. This is difficult to predict, as everyone's journey is different and individual needs vary. However, fewer than 12 sessions are unlikely to bring about lasting change.
Sessions are available either online (for those aged 16 and over) or in person at my home in Englefield Green, Egham.
Cost:
Free 15-minute call
Individual sessions (50 min long) - £80
Group family sessions (75 min long) - £120
Concession rates - I offer a limited number of concession rates for families on low income. These sessions take place during the day between 9:15 am and 2 pm.
When working with younger children, I provide parents with brief feedback. For older children, I always seek their permission first.
If requested, I am also happy to provide detailed observation letters, along with practical suggestions and strategies that can be shared with schools and support workers, or used to support EHCP applications. This is available for an additional fee of £40.
Parenting coaching/family sessions
I know first-hand how challenging parenting can be, and although I don’t have all the answers or a magic wand to fix challenging situations and behaviour, I can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings, meeting you with empathy and understanding. I also provide tips and strategies for managing challenging behaviour, special needs and school anxiety/avoidance. Difficulties are usually maintained or heightened by family dynamics, including the family structure, communication patterns between family members, lack of awareness and understanding and the formation of ineffective attempted solutions. I help parents break away from unhealthy patterns of interaction, align on parenting styles and also help you reflect on any unresolved issues, unhealthy attachment styles, limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns which often can be traced back to childhood.
