Working with youth
As a teenager you may be struggling with self-confidence, peer pressure, social media comparisons and a lack of belief in yourself, resulting in social anxiety, crippling your interactions with friends and family. With my extensive experience I can help you reduce anxiety, develop emotional self-regulation and communication skills and connect with who your are on the inside so you can step forward with confidence.
My Story
When working with young people in education for 30 years, I saw many affected by low self-esteem and a lack of self-belief, this led me to develop my skills and become qualified as a UK psychotherapist. I am passionate about helping each unique individual flourish and shine with true joy in who they are and develop a zest for life.
Therapy
Using games and activities I help you get to know me, and when you feel safe enough to talk about what is troubling you, the space is there for you. This time is for you to be clearly seen and heard. Perhaps there are things you cannot talk about to others, it may be too painful or difficult. The process is determined by you, at your pace and we explore thoughts and feelings when you are ready. Our conversations are confidential and this privacy can help you unlock the emotions that are pushed inside and help you understand where they are coming from. You learn strategies to sooth your nervous system and begin to manage stressful situations.
Strategy
Using creative approaches I enable you to explore your thoughts and feelings from the 3rd person. Using drawing, games, images, sand and stones, you can chose different ways to understand the feelings on the inside. This helps you develop skills in communicating what is happening for you in physical and emotional feelings but also in your deep sense of who you are. You develop strategies in emotional self-regulation and as we work together the kaleidoscope of your feelings can change and shift slightly to help you see hidden emotions. In the therapeutic space I support you with a deep presence of my true self, being fully authentic in my care. In this therapeutic work you process deep emotions and gain new perspectives and reconnect with your core self.
Reality
You set the goals for your therapy, and we meet regularly for around ten sessions. I am open with you when I experience feelings in response to your experiences, validating emotions when you come into contact with difficult thoughts and feelings.
I intentionally affirm you, and your strengths and qualities along with the impact of your experiences. Through the therapeutic process you are empowered to explore your self-beliefs, and the evidence for them, and grow in self-understanding of how these influence your relationships. As you make shifts in your self-beliefs you reconnect with your core values, and make meaningful shifts to emotional well-being.