Mum of 2 teens, almost wife, lover of the beach and all things arty. I work in schools to prevent exclusion, promote inclusion and ensure that staff feel empowered and able to meet the young persons needs. I am a Trauma Informed Practitioner and attachment aware. I support needs around ADHD, ASC, Trauma, Anxiety based school refusal (although I don't like the term !), Emotional Literacy, Motivation (or lack of with teens !), Resilience, Self Awareness and Self Esteem - to name a few. I feel its important to teach young people about what is happening in their brain and body. I have recently trained in Advanced Drawing and Talking practice and I am now offering this on a private basis. I appreciate times are financially difficult for everyone and do not want this to be a barrier so please do chat through any concerns with me. What is Drawing and Talking? Drawing and Talking allows the client to work from their inner world, rather than their conscious, cognitive mind. It allows expressions in a visual form, of worries and preoccupations from deep in the mind - symbolic and safe expression of feelings they are not able to talk about or may not be able to reach easily. It is safe and non-intrusive. The child/young person sets the pace and decides what to bring to the session. As a therapeutic intervention, Drawing and Talking can help children, young people and adults who:
*Have suffered trauma
*Have been or are in the process of being fostered or adopted
*Struggle with parental separation
*Are young carers
*Have witnessed domestic violence
*Suffer from anxiety , stress or phobias
*Have suffered loss or bereavement - including ambiguous loss
*Struggle with friendships/relationships
*Are not able to attend school - Emotional Based School Avoidance
*Bully others or are bullied themselves
*Display inappropriate behaviours
*Do not play
*Struggle to talk about their feeling
*Are at risk of exclusion
*have a diagnosis of ADHD
*have a diagnosis of ASC
Drawing and Talking sessions are also useful if your child /young person has struggled to access sessions with other therapeutic services such as CAMHS/ Counsellors/Therapists. These sessions do not replace the need for CAMHS or other therapies, and would be put on hold if an appointment for treatment became available. They would not run along side appointments with CAMHS but may well get a child or young person to a place where they feel able to discuss their emotions and issues when they reach CAMHS. Who can use Drawing and Talking? Drawing and talking can have a powerful impact on individuals, families and groups. It is not limited to 1-1 sessions. Opening up communication within families in a safe space, can create new possibilities for you and allow each of you to process your feelings and to be heard by one another. How long does it take and where? Drawing and Talking for individuals or siblings is a 12 week programme - each session is 30 minutes. As a family group it is 8 weeks- each session is 30-45 minutes. Sessions are held in the family home in a quiet space. Sessions should run weekly. Who is this therapy NOT suitable for? It is not suitable for anyone currently being seen by a therapist or counsellor. If an appointment arises during the 12 weeks, we will break until ready to continue/other therapy has ended. Children under 5. Please contact me to discuss if your child is under 5 and you have concerns. Confidentiality and Safeguarding. I won't discuss the content of the sessions unless I feel the child/young person is at risk of harm. However, the participant can discuss the sessions and content with family or friends if they wish. If issues arise that need addressing, I will work with the family to ensure that needs are meet moving forward. I hold a valid DBS certificate - please ask if you wish to see this. I am fully vaccinated and will carry out LFTs where necessary. I am happy to wear a mask during sessions for your families safety if you wish. Lastly - About Me
Advanced Drawing and Talking Practitioner
Sandplay Facilitator
Trauma and Mental Health Informed Practitioner Status (L5D)
Certificate in Counselling Skills
Diploma in Special Educational Needs
Diploma in Child Behaviour
Relevant training in Safeguarding and Child Protection
6 years within BHISS as SEN Specialist in Social , Emotional and Mental Health. Over 10 years experience working with children and young people. Previous teacher of post 16. Please do feel free to call for a free 15 minute consultation.
