Are you looking for ways for you and your family to
- promote personal growth
- improve well-being
- increase capacity to think of new and different perspectives
- increase capacity to make choices that enhance personal and social life
- build secure and resilient relationships, within the family and with peers
- develop self-regulation and healthy coping mechanisms?
Counselling and therapy might sound scary to young people, or they may think something is wrong with them and be afraid of any stigma possibly attached to the word “counselling”. Kids are also busy fulfilling several expectations, for example academics, social etc. and trying to make sense of the changes they are going through as they get older. When meeting a young person, I try to meet them where they are, get to know them and hear about their strengths and challenges, and clarify any questions they may have about the process.
The areas that I am working with children and adolescents include but are not limited to:
- emotional regulation & expression;
- school related matters;
- family or peer relationships;
- coping with stress/ anxiety/ low mood;
- making sense of themselves and others (self esteem, body image, identity);
I also work with parents/ caregivers who wish to:
- understand their child’s behaviour and perspective;
- develop skills to support their child through a difficult time;
- improve their relationship with their child;
- have a space to reflect when feeling stuck as a parent;
- feel more connected with themselves and their family;
- connect with their child from a playful and creative perspective.
I offer a warm and confidential space where concerns, issues and feelings can be explored in a non-judgemental and child/ youth led approach. Through deep communication and dialogue, I strive to reach the root of their experience. I help the young person clarify problems or difficulties, see patterns in their relating, thinking or behaviour and empower them in making their own choices.
I use different tools including talking therapy, play-therapy, drama and movement therapy, creative arts, sand-tray, puppetry etc. My approach is Integrative, meaning I use a combination of approaches, bringing together different elements of specific therapies according to the needs of each young person I am working with. For example, I incorporate elements of person-centred therapy, attachment theory, relational therapy, trauma informed therapy, psychodynamic theory, mindfulness.
I also enjoy working with parents and respect their hard work and the challenges that come with parenthood. From my experience, I can tell that parents try to do their best for their child to thrive and be happy. Sometimes, however, they can face challenges with their child’s behaviour, and they may need support and guidance. Or they may realize that something is getting in the way of their relationship with their child and need a space to reflect on it. As a therapist, I work closely with parents to assist and support them to develop strategies to build a secure and resilient relationship with their child. I strongly believe that working together can provide the best chances for young people to achieve their potential and develop their resilience, find their own path, and become well-rounded individuals.