Support for Young People
Young People often find it difficult to verbalise their feelings. They may find themselves being overwhelmed and confused by the tsunami of complex emotions that come as they grow from childhood toward adulthood. It is not uncommon for them to feel disconnected from family, home, friends, or school.
Therapy can be helpful for young people who face challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, identity issues, bullying, low-self-esteem, family conflicts.
Alongside traditional talk therapy, some young people find it easier to express themselves through creative approaches which offer different ways to process, especially feelings which can be difficult to put into words.
I offer a calm, compassionate space where the young person can be heard, understood, and supported to begin to make sense of their experiences and to express what is on their minds without fear of judgment.
EMDR for Children and Young People
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) with children and young people meets them where they naturally thrive through play and creativity. It helps them move in and out of stressful states more easily, making it possible to explore challenging experiences without becoming overwhelmed.
EMDR for children and young people is a safe child-led creative approach to help children and young people explore emotions, release what's been held inside, and begin to feel more in control. In sessions, play becomes the bridge between trauma and healing supporting emotional integration in a way that feels natural and respectful of each child's pace and inner world. It is especially helpful for nightmares or sleep difficulties, anxiety or separation issues, panic attacks or specific fears, loss, grief, or bereavement.
For children and young people, I integrate EMDR with play-based approaches, always tailoring the work to their developmental needs. Sessions may include the parent or caregiver, depending on what feels safest and most supportive for the child. Through play, storytelling, drawing, and imagination, children can access and express their inner world in ways that feel natural and non-threatening. This playful yet purposeful approach allows EMDR to be embedded in a child’s language of play, helping them process difficult experiences while feeling safe, seen, and emotionally held.
