I offer 'parental support' initially when asked to work with younger children but work more directly with older children and young people.
By working with the parents of younger children initially, this allows for a new understanding of the child's behaviour but also allows for real changes to be made in the home where the impact will be felt more immediately. If a direct approach is also required, I offer Therapeutic play and creativity to help the child express their 'big feelings' and we work together as a family for lasting changes.
Children's 'big feelings' are a struggle to regulate by themselves so parents involvement and a commitment to learn ways to assist them is essential. This is why 'parent support' has a better outcome than working directly with the child as it allows the parent to change the environment and learn skills to help the child on an ongoing basis. For older children it can involve more direct individual work but this will be discussed in an initial meeting.
Therapeutic play and creative methods using metaphorical images to represent experiences and emotions will be offered as well as talking but the child will be allowed to decide what works best for them. This allows them to tell their story in a non threatening way.
Sessions are £45 per hour and tend to be weekly at least to begin with.