Areas of expertise
I work differently depending on the child’s developmental stage, from infants and primary-school-age children to teenagers and young adults. I also offer sessions with parents.
Infants and Young Children (under 5s)
I understand that being a parent to a young child often comes with a lot of worry. You may wonder if you’re doing things “right” or feel guilty if your child isn’t developing at the same pace as other children. Perhaps they’re having more tantrums, struggling to sleep, being aggressive, or reacting physically when frustrated.
In our sessions, I use play as a way to understand and connect with your child. This is a type of parent-infant psychotherapy. I will observe and interact with your child, which can give us clues about any emotional or behavioural struggles they might be facing. I’ll then help you understand your child better and equip you with strategies that will help you feel more confident in responding to their needs.
Together, we can create a calm and supportive space to strengthen your relationship with your child, helping them feel safe and understood.
Children in Primary School (5 to 12)
At this age, children may start to struggle with things like anxiety, friendships, or adjusting to school. They may also start comparing themselves to others, worry about being “different,” or face issues like bullying. For many parents, screen time and social media add new concerns, making it hard to know how best to support your child.
I’ll work with your child to explore these issues, helping them to understand and manage their emotions, build confidence, and navigate friendships. We might use play or drawing to help your child feel comfortable and express themselves freely. I’ll also keep in close touch with you, so we can review your child’s progress and support you to carry on these changes at home.
Therapy at this age can have a profound, lasting impact. Many children become better at handling their emotions, more confident in themselves, and more open to talking about what’s on their minds. They learn how to build healthier relationships and approach school with less anxiety. For families, these changes can bring a greater sense of calm, understanding, and connection. This creates a strong and resilient foundation as they grow into teenagers.
Teenagers & Young Adults (13 to 25)
These years are times of significant change and emotional turmoil, and it’s common for young people to face challenges with:
- Mental health: anxiety, depression, self-harm
- Risky behaviours
- Body image perception
- School, exams, and starting university
- Friendships and relationships
- Social media use and screen time
- Exploring sexuality and gender identity
- Building a sense of self
In my sessions with teenagers and young adults, I offer a confidential space where they can talk about any concerns they might have. I know that trust is crucial at this age, so my approach is flexible, allowing each young person to open up in a way that feels comfortable for them. If there’s ever a need for a follow-up meeting with you as a parent, we’ll first discuss with your child what we’ll talk about so they feel respected and included.
For parents, I understand how hard it can be to step back when you’re concerned about your child. It’s natural to worry about their safety and future, especially if they're engaging in risk-taking behaviours or pulling away. While I keep sessions with young people confidential, I also work with parents to support you through this transition. We can discuss how you can best support your child’s growing independence while being there for them when they need you.
Therapy during this time can lead to significant growth. Young people often come away with a clearer sense of who they are and what they want, feeling more confident in their ability to face life’s challenges. They learn to communicate their needs better and build stronger, healthier relationships. For families, this often means less tension, better understanding, and a renewed sense of connection. Therapy can help your teenager or young adult navigate this complex stage with the confidence they need to thrive.
Parent work
Many parents come to me feeling uncertain or even guilty. You might be worrying about doing something wrong or feeling at a loss about how to support your child. I know that these feelings are common, and I’m here to provide a space where you can explore your concerns and feel supported.
I’m especially passionate about giving parents a voice. My doctoral research focused on understanding the challenges faced by parents whose children struggled in school and needed extra support. This experience gave me valuable insight into the importance of therapy grounded in research and real-life experiences. I bring this perspective into my work with you, helping you feel more confident and satisfied in your role as a parent.
When we work together, the focus isn’t on therapy for you as a parent. It’s about finding ways to help you understand and support your child. We’ll explore what might be going on for them and talk through different approaches that you can use at home. This might mean learning how to handle big emotions in a calm way or finding a balance between being gentle and setting boundaries. We’ll look at ways to help you feel confident in your parenting, and to manage any stress or anxiety that might come up in difficult moments.
My approach to treatment
I understand that seeking help can feel like a big step. Many parents and young people worry about opening up or feel unsure about what therapy involves. If you or your child feels nervous, I always take the time to listen to any questions or concerns, making sure that the process feels clear and supportive.
My approach is based on respect and understanding. I aim to adapt my work to each young person’s needs, using both evidence-based methods and insights from my own experience working with families. I believe in young people feeling empowered to express their unique thoughts and emotions and that their voice is heard and valued.
I understand that mental health issues can affect anyone at any time. Some challenges may be temporary and respond well to short, focused therapy, while others may require more in-depth, longer-term support. I offer both types of therapy, tailoring the approach to what suits your child best. I regularly review and check in on your progress to make sure that treatment is helping in the most effective way possible.
Your first consultation
The first consultation is usually a joint session, where I meet with both you and your child. This gives us a chance to get to know each other and understand what brings you here. Sessions can be held in person, or over video as online therapy.
With younger children, I will invite you to stay for the entire session, as this helps them feel secure. For teenagers or older children, after an initial introduction together, I might suggest some time to talk with them alone. This helps them to feel therapy is a space for them, with their own voice and privacy respected.
I find this flexible approach helps everyone feel comfortable, building a foundation for collaborative work together.
Personalised treatment plans
In my work, I’ve learned that each child, young person, and family is unique. Different backgrounds, experiences, and identities—such as cultural or racial heritage, gender, and family dynamics—can all influence mental health. I take these differences into account, adapting my approach to meet the specific needs of each family and to build a strong, understanding therapeutic relationship.
I consider all aspects of a young person’s life, from their daily routines to their relationships, physical health, and habits. I recognise that factors like sleep, diet, exercise, and screen time play a significant role in their well-being and emotional balance. If I feel that extra support is needed in any of these areas, we can work with nutritionists or other specialists to create a more complete support plan.
Medication
As a therapist, I don’t prescribe medication, but I know it can be very helpful in some situations. Research shows that medication often works best when combined with talking therapy, and I agree with this approach. Each child is unique, so if we feel that medication might help, I can work with medical professionals to make sure it’s part of a balanced treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Education & Training
I’m a Senior Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience. I’ve worked with young people in various settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and schools. I’m registered with the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), and my work is deeply rooted in psychoanalytic therapy and careful, personalised assessments for each child. Alongside my private practice, I also work within an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), where I treat children and teenagers with anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and attachment difficulties.
My past experience includes working in schools as part of CAMHS, where I offered mental health assessments, therapy, and advice to teachers and other professionals supporting children. Earlier in my career, I spent five years at Great Ormond Street Hospital in a psychiatric unit, where I supported young people with complex mental health needs who needed inpatient care.
I completed my clinical Doctorate in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust/University of Essex. My thesis focused on understanding parents’ perspectives on children who needed extra support in school. I also hold a Master’s degree in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies from the University of East London, a Master’s in Theoretical Psychoanalytic Studies from University College London, and have a background in Clinical Psychology.
Beyond my clinical work, I also supervise and provide training for other mental health professionals, guiding them in working with children and young people facing significant challenges. This combination of clinical experience, academic training, allows me to offer compassionate, well-rounded support to the families and young people I work with.
