Family Therapist
I am a qualified Family Therapist with over 25 years experience in the field.
I specialise in offering practical parenting advice to parents and carers to help support the positive management of children with conditions such ADHD, ASD, ADHD/ASD combined, oppositional behaviour and defiance. Studies have shown that parenting children with extra needs / diagnoses is usually very stressful.
I offer parents a range of tools and techniques that will to help to improve family relationships. If family life has become a regular battleground, then help is at hand. These tools are also very effective in helping parents to become more united in their parenting approach, if the child’s problems have come between them.
I also offer family therapy which, as the name implies, involves everyone in the family. This approach can be very helpful to improve communication between family members. Other issues I work with include working with separated or divorced parents who wish to co-parent more effectively.
The first appointment is a consultation. Whether this is parenting advice or family therapy, the first session is usually ‘adults only’ so that an open discussion about the issues can take place without children present. Sometimes a single session of advice will suffice. Mostly I see parents or families for a number of sessions (on average 3 – 6 sessions). Occasionally, longer work may be indicated. Sessions usually take place fortnightly or monthly.
I aim to provide a safe and confidential place to explore worries, and reflect upon issues, in a supportive environment.
Qualifications:
I hold a BA (Hons) Social Science (1987), Msc Family & Systemic Psychotherapy (2002), Post Graduate Diploma in Systemic Supervision & Training (2008).
Publications/Media:
Ten Tips for raising confident children. Practical Parenting magazine, Feb 2013Reflecting Puppet teams [how puppets can make therapy more user friendly for young children]. The Psychotherapist magazine, Autumn 2013.‘I Hate Mum’ [documentary about family therapy]. First shown on BBC television in Feb 2010 and often repeated on Sky TV.CONTEXT: The magazine for family therapy & Systemic Practice. Co-editor: June 2016: ‘Tools and techniques for working with children, young people and families’.
I am a member of the following organisations and abide by their codes of practice.
AFT (Association for Family Therapy & Systemic Practice) www.aft.org.uk and UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) www.ukcp.org.uk
I am an approved healthcare provider with AXA, AVIVA and Healix.