How long is a session?

50 minutes.

Is it confidential?

Yes. Sometimes children and young people tell me something that I feel it is really important for their parents/carers to know. Then I will get in touch. I let children and parents/carers know this from the beginning.

Do you contact other people who know me like my school or GP?

Not routinely. It can be helpful for you to let your school and GP know you have started therapy. Sometimes it is helpful for me to speak to other professionals who know you, such as, your teachers. I would always discuss this with you and your parents/carers.

What are your fees?

Individual sessions are £70. Invoices will be sent at the end of each month and can be paid by bank transfer.

What about cancellations?

Cancellations should be made one week in advance, otherwise they will be charged for.

What about holidays?

There are regular breaks in therapy. These tend to coincide with school holidays – two weeks at Christmas, two or three weeks at Easter and four weeks over the summer. I will share holiday breaks with you well in advance. Regularity is important in therapy so if your holidays fall outside these times, it is helpful if you let me know as soon as you can.

What happens in the first consultation?

In the initial consultation with parents/carers we think together about the concerns you have about your child/young person. It is helpful to hear about your child/young person’s background. We can explore possibilities for help and support. Sometimes it can be helpful to meet for more than one session to complete the initial consultation.

During assessment sessions with your child/young person I can hear from them about the concerns they have about themselves and what they would like to be different.

Can I contact you between sessions?

If necessary, you can contact me via email or telephone. I may take time to respond. If you are worried about your child/young person’s safety in between sessions, I recommend speaking to your GP or attending A&E.

Are you accredited?

I am a qualified Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. I am registered and accredited by the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), who are assessed annually by the Professional Standards Authority to ensure standards for patient safety are upheld (see ACP Register & Standards | Association of Child Psychotherapists).

I have an up to date Enhanced DBS.

I work within the ACP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics (see Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics. adopted 28.04.23.pdf).

Useful information and links:

• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy A guide for parents carers and families (New contact details).pdf
• Your New Baby, Your Family & You | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Crying & Sleeping in the First Months of Life | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Postnatal Depression – A Problem for all the Family | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Sibling Rivalry – The Arrival of a Baby Brother or Sister | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• The Child’s Experience of Primary School | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Supporting Teenagers – Helping Parents & Professionals to Understand the Early Teenage Years | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Fathers – Understanding the Vital Role That Fathers, & Father Figures, Play in Children’s Emotional Development | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Grandparents & the Extended Family | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Divorce & Separation – Helping Children & Parents to Cope | Association of Child Psychotherapists
• Bereavement – Helping Parents & Children Cope When Someone Close to Them Dies | Association of Child Psychotherapists