Why private therapy?
If your child is struggling, private therapy can offer the support they need in a safe, understanding space. I work with children and young people facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, OCD, low mood, school and exam stress, confidence, self-esteem, and identity concerns.
I specialise in anxiety disorders and OCD, using evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). These methods help young people face fears, manage compulsions, and build resilience. I also bring in creative tools like art and play to make therapy engaging and age-appropriate.
Private therapy gives your child the chance to develop coping skills, gain confidence, and make real progress—without long wait times. I work closely with both young people and their families to create a supportive, collaborative process that fosters lasting well-being.
If you’re looking for expert, compassionate support, get in touch to see how I can help.
My therapeutic approach to childhood anxiety, OCD and other mental health issues is rooted in scientifically supported methods, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. This comprehensive, integrative approach is designed to help young people build resilience, develop self-compassion, and find ways to manage anxiety and OCD with confidence.
Strengths Based Perspective
My approach is strengths-based, focusing on empathy, acceptance, and highlighting each child’s unique strengths, skills, and resources. Therapy is goal-oriented, supporting children as they build resilience and work toward their own values and wishes, with me as their guide in this process.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
ERP is a core component of OCD treatment, focusing on gradually exposing children to their fears and preventing compulsive behaviours or avoidance tactics. By facing their anxieties in manageable steps, children learn that they can handle discomfort without turning to avoidance or compulsions. Over time, this approach can significantly reduce the severity of OCD symptoms, enabling children to feel more in control and resilient in the face of their fears
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT helps children learn to accept difficult thoughts and feelings without letting these experiences dictate their actions. By fostering mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and values-based actions, ACT reduces avoidance and encourages psychological flexibility. This method empowers children to live according to their own values rather than their anxieties, helping them navigate challenges with greater self-assurance.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT is integral to my therapeutic approach, as it fosters self-compassion and emotional resilience in young people. By addressing self-criticism and shame, CFT helps children develop a kinder relationship with themselves, which is essential for managing anxiety and OCD. This approach empowers them to face challenges with confidence and promotes overall well-being.
Art and play interventions
I also incorporate art and play interventions, as creative expression can be especially powerful for children. Through art and play, children can improve self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and social skills in a non-threatening way. These activities encourage spontaneity, curiosity, and autonomy, nurturing authenticity and emotional growth.
Parent/Progress Review Sessions
Parent/Progress Review sessions are an important part of the therapeutic process and are designed with the client’s consent. These sessions can include both the client and their parents or just the parents, depending on the client’s preference. The purpose of these reviews is to reflect on the progression of therapy, provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions, and collaboratively explore ways to support the client effectively.
While these sessions serve as a check-in for parents to share feedback and discuss what’s happening at home, all information shared by the client during therapy remains private and confidential unless the client has explicitly given consent for specific details to be disclosed. Parent/Progress Reviews help ensure that everyone involved is working together to create the best possible outcomes for the young person.
