Alder Barn Therapy

14/01/2026

When someone eloquently writes your thoughts down, there is no need to repeat it.
Apart from,

“The horse is not the therapist.”
“The animal is not the treatment.”

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we often hear animal-assisted therapy described as an alternative therapy. It’s time to correct that misconception.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a clinical modality, not an alternative treatment.

When delivered appropriately, AAT is provided by registered health professionals — such as psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, counsellors and other health practitioners — who integrate an animal into their therapeutic practice within their professional scope, regulatory standards, and ethical frameworks.

The animal is not the therapist.
The animal is not the treatment.

The animal is a therapeutic support, intentionally and carefully incorporated by a qualified clinician to support evidence-informed goals such as:
• emotional regulation
• trauma recovery
• engagement and motivation
• functional skill development
• therapeutic rapport and safety

Like other recognised modalities, animal-assisted therapy:
✔ is goal-directed
✔ is professionally accountable
✔ requires clinical reasoning and risk management
✔ must meet both human and animal welfare standards

When we understand animal-assisted therapy as a modality, we protect clients, practitioners, animals — and the integrity of the work itself.

01/01/2026

Welcome to a new year and a new beginning 🩷

01/01/2026

Welcome to a new year and a new beginning 🩷

31/12/2025

As the sun sets on another successful year at Alder Barn Therapy, we thank you for your continued support. 🩷
Wishing everyone a peaceful and fulfilling New Year — we’re excited for what’s ahead as we reach even more people.☺️

25/12/2025

On behalf of Alder Barn Therapy, Bruce, Ivy, Willow, Wren and the human team, wish you a peaceful and contented Christmas. 🎄 🩷

21/11/2025

20/11/2025

Come and learn about the successful ways we support children, young people and adults in turning their lives around. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions you may have about how to support your own, or someone else’s, mental health.

Alder Barn Therapy are doing a session tomorrow (Friday) evening at The Den and answering any questions you may have! Absolutely free- book via this link https://bookwhen.com/coffeechatandsupport =ev-smoji-20251121190000

05/11/2025

Come join us at The Den Coffee House on the 21st of November to learn more about who we are and, what we offer at Alder Barn Therapy. We will also be sharing advice on what to look for in a counsellor or therapeutic service and answering your questions. See you there!

Why not pop along on the 21st November at 7pm to hear from Phoebe, Beth and Su from

https://www.alderbarntherapy.co.uk/

The first of our

Ask questions and hear all about the wonderful services they offer x

Grab a coffee, some yummy cake, and meet other parents and carers x

Book here https://bookwhen.com/coffeechatandsupport/e/ev-smoji-20251121190000

16/10/2025

I was drawn to this article because… this was me.

Years ago, my father-in-law confronted me with anger. Among his words, one line stayed with me: “You never let anyone hold her.” There was no kindness in that moment, only blame.

But what no one knew was the truth behind my actions.
My firstborn had a terrifying, near-fatal start in this world. In the months that followed, I carried PTSD and postnatal depression quietly — too frightened to speak, too ashamed to be seen.

Trauma runs deep. It doesn’t always look like pain on the outside, but it shapes everything — especially how we protect the ones we love. I clung to my baby because my world no longer felt safe.

Back then, I was shamed for holding on too tightly.
Now, I understand: my instinct was love. Fierce. Protective. Real.

I no longer carry that shame.

If this is your story too — please know, you are not alone. Your instinct to protect was never wrong. 💛

There could be so many different reasons behind this choice, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. Maybe what you really mean is you feel hurt to be left out

11/10/2025

Hi, I’m Beth 👋

I’m a counsellor in training with a degree in Early Childhood Studies. Before joining Alder Barn Therapy, I worked in primary schools supporting children with additional needs on a 1:1 basis.

As a mum myself, I understand how worrying it can be when your child doesn’t seem quite themselves. I also know that for many children and young people, sitting and talking in a room can feel off-putting or restrictive.

That’s why I offer Therapeutic Interventions – sessions designed to support children and young people in a space where they feel comfortable. Although I use my counselling skills, these sessions aren’t formal counselling. Instead, they offer an opportunity for each child to explore and express their feelings through an activity of their choice, while building confidence and social skills.

Each week, they have an hour that’s just for them – a non-judgemental, safe and confidential space where they can simply be themselves.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and our dog. I also enjoy baking, seeing live music, and discovering new places with my children.

I’m based at Alder Barn Therapy on Friday mornings and currently have space for new clients.

To find out more about Therapeutic Interventions, visit www.alderbarntherapy.co.uk
or email me at beth@alderbarntherapy.co.uk.

10/10/2025

Hi, my name is Phoebe and I am a qualified counsellor. For the past four years, I have been Therapeutic Interventions Lead at Alder Barn Therapy, where I work with children and young people. Over the years, I have supported children in care, neurodivergent children and young people and families of professional sportspeople.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. Before becoming a counsellor, I studied Animal Science at university and worked in veterinary practices and animal sanctuaries, as well as running my own business as a dog trainer and behaviourist. The knowledge and experience this provided allowed me to bring together my two passions and offer Animal Assisted Therapy.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the beach or in woodland. When the weather takes a turn, I prefer to have some fun training my dog and cooking or baking.

I work at Alder Barn Therapy on Mondays and Tuesday afternoons/evenings where I offer Therapeutic Interventions, Counselling and Animal Assisted Therapy. For more information on these services, please head to
👉🏼https://www.alderbarntherapy.co.uk/
or contact me directly 📧 phoebe@alderbarntherapy.co.uk

10/10/2025

Two things that matter deeply to me: Arsenal, and supporting people who are struggling with their mental health.

As a counsellor for 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many people through some of the toughest times in their lives. But one client group has taught me something particularly profound — professional athletes.

When you’re in the public eye, expected to perform at the highest level, it can look like you’ve got it all. But behind that image, the pressures can be immense. The fear of failure. The constant judgment. The loss of identity when the spotlight fades. And far too often, the silence.

Words hurt. And yet, so many are quick to criticise without ever considering what someone might be carrying.

It felt important to say something today — not just because it’s World Mental Health Day, but because today we also say goodbye to Ricky Hatton, someone who’s been open about his own battles and resilience. His journey has shone a light on what it means to struggle, to fight - literally, in and out of the ring. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Let’s remember: everyone has mental health. Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep listening. And let’s be kind.