Children and Young people

Children and young people can face many challenges as they grow and develop. Anxiety, friendship difficulties, low self-esteem, school pressures, family changes, bereavement, neurodivergence, and emotional overwhelm can all have a significant impact on their well-being. Often, young people do not have the words to explain what they are feeling. Emotions can show up through behaviour, withdrawal, sleep difficulties, school refusal, anger, worry, physical symptoms, or changes in confidence and relationships.

My role is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where children and young people feel heard, understood, and valued. Together, we can explore what is happening beneath the surface, helping them develop emotional awareness, resilience, confidence, and practical tools to navigate life's challenges.

I am an Accredited Practitioner of Hypno4Children™, trained in counselling children and young people, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), somatic approaches, and trauma-informed practice. I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate and volunteer as a counsellor supporting children and young people within the local community. Alongside my professional training, I bring warmth, patience, creativity, and a genuine understanding that every child is unique. Sessions are always tailored to the individual, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to emotional wellbeing.

How I Work

I work integratively, drawing on a range of approaches tailored to your child's age, personality, needs, and interests. Sessions may include:

• Counselling and talking therapy
• Clinical hypnotherapy
• Somatic and nervous system regulation techniques
• Breathwork and relaxation strategies
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping)
• Creative counselling approaches
• Sand tray therapy
• Clay work
• Therapeutic play
• Drawing, storytelling, and metaphor work
• Mindfulness and grounding exercises

Many children communicate more easily through creativity, play, movement, or imagination than through conversation alone. By working in ways that feel natural and engaging, therapy becomes a space where children can safely explore emotions, process experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Areas of Support

I work with children and young people experiencing:

• Anxiety and worries
• Low mood and depression
• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Anger and emotional outbursts
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• School-related stress
• Exam anxiety
• School refusal
• Friendship difficulties
• Bullying
• Family separation and change
• Bereavement and loss
• Trauma and adverse experiences
• Sleep difficulties
• Fears and phobias
• Separation anxiety
• Neurodivergence, including ADHD and Autism
• Stress and overwhelm

I also support young people as they navigate identity, life transitions, social pressures, and the increasing demands of modern life.

Supporting Neurodivergent Children & Young People

As a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Autism Ambassador, I have an additional understanding of the strengths and challenges experienced by neurodivergent children, young people, and their families.

I provide neurodiversity-affirming support for children and young people with:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Sensory processing differences
• PDA
• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

Sessions are adapted to suit the individual, recognising sensory needs, communication preferences, processing styles, and emotional regulation challenges. My aim is not to change who a young person is, but to help them better understand themselves, build confidence, and thrive as their authentic self.

Hypnotherapy for Children & Young People

Clinical hypnotherapy can be a highly effective way of helping children and young people develop confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being. As an Accredited Hypno4Children™ Practitioner, I use age-appropriate, evidence-informed approaches that are engaging, practical, and empowering.

Hypnotherapy may support:

• Anxiety and worries
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Exam stress
• Sleep difficulties
• Fears and phobias
• Emotional regulation
• Motivation and focus
• School-related challenges

Sessions focus on helping young people develop their own wellbeing toolkit, providing practical strategies they can use throughout their lives.

Exam Stress & Academic Pressures

The school years can bring considerable pressure. SATs, GCSEs, A Levels, college coursework, driving tests, and other assessments can leave young people feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted. Stress can affect sleep, concentration, memory, confidence, motivation, and overall well-being. Using a combination of counselling, hypnotherapy, breathwork, EFT, and nervous system regulation techniques, I can help young people manage stress more effectively, build confidence, and approach challenges with a calmer, more balanced mindset.

Working with Parents & Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in a young person's emotional well-being. Where appropriate, I work collaboratively with families, offering guidance and support while maintaining the young person's trust and confidentiality. For children under 16, the initial assessment includes time with both the parent or carer and the young person. This allows us to understand everyone's perspective while ensuring the young person's voice remains central to the therapeutic process.

Session Information

Sessions are tailored to each young person's individual needs and developmental stage.

Depending on age and attention span, appointments may range between 30 and 60 minutes. Adjustments are always made to ensure sessions remain engaging, supportive, and accessible.

Sessions are available:

• In person in Havant, Hampshire
• Online throughout the UK
• Outdoors within my Therapy in the Garden space (where appropriate)

Helping Young People Thrive

Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, confident, understood, and able to enjoy childhood without being overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or emotional difficulties. Seeking support is a positive and caring step. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, confidence, friendships, bereavement, school pressures, neurodivergent challenges, or simply finding life difficult at the moment, I offer a warm, compassionate space where healing, growth, and resilience can develop.

Together, we can help your child build the confidence, understanding, and emotional tools they need to navigate life with greater ease and wellbeing.