Assessments & Sessions

 The first months and years of life are the most important for the rapid growth of the brain, in particular the right hemisphere which is the seat of emotional processing. The physical development of the brain is experience-dependent and is being shaped by early social interaction and relationships.

As a psychodynamically trained therapist. my approach is very much orientated around relational experiences.  This kind of emotional healing impacts the brain and new neural healthy pathways can be established. 

Central to child psychodynamic psychotherapy is the idea that a child's emotional growth and sense of self are shaped by both unconscious and conscious mental processes from a very early age. Through their experiences, a child creates an 'internal' landscape of thoughts and feelings, which in turn influences how they perceive and interact with the external world.

Emotional difficulties often stem from challenging experiences that become entangled within this 'internal' world. This entanglement can create significant obstacles to a child's development. To address these emotional problems, the therapeutic process involves bringing these hidden thoughts and feelings to the surface. By exploring and working through them, children can then overcome these barriers and continue their emotional and psychological growth.

Children also have access to a selection of toys and art materials to encourage and help them to communicate and to help them sort through upsetting, scary, and confusing feelings in a safe, secure and friendly environment.

Many biological and neurobiological changes are occurring within young people between these very informative years and therefore this can be a very challenging  tumultuous and troubling time for some.  I also  believe that this age can be altruistic and with an acute sense of justice, an eagerness to learn about the universe and a desire to contribute to the construction of a better world. 

With this in mind, I offer a psychodynamic therapeutic space for 'relational' self-reflection, that will assist in helping to develop capacities for dealing with the challenges of life, raise self-esteem and help to manage overwhelming emotions,  helping them to analyse the constructive and destructive forces in the world today.

I provide  a personal art box for each young person, that includes; writing and drawing materials. Of course they are not under any obligation to use it, but these materials can be helpful for young people that struggle to talk and express themselves.

 Growing up and finding one's place in the world can be challenging for children and young people. Occasionally, painful or difficult experiences may hold them back, making it harder for them to move forward and thrive. 

 This is also a stage in one's life when you are preparing for adulthood. It is a time of profound spiritual and intellectual growth. It can be a time to begin to make wonderful contributions to life but it can also  feel daunting and intimidating.

Sometimes emotions and problems can feel really overwhelming and it may feel difficult to cope and hopelessness can set in.

I believe that we all need support from time to time and a space to think and explore what might be troubling you.