ÌÇÐĹÙÍø

I work Thursdays and Fridays from a counselling/playroom in Felixstowe, Suffolk. 

I occasionally use an alternative room in Woodbridge, Suffolk, a few miles from Ipswich. 

Please do contact me via email to find out about session times as I try hard to accommodate families in need.

I work with children, young people and families by gently looking beneath the surface of behaviour to understand what a child may be trying to communicate. Psychodynamic thinking helps us consider how feelings, early experiences and important relationships shape the way a child manages worry, anger, sadness, separation, change or conflict. Sometimes children show their distress through behaviour because the feelings underneath are too big, too confusing or too hidden to put into words.

With parents, I offer a calm space to think together about what may be happening emotionally between you and your child. We may notice repeated patterns, moments that feel particularly difficult, or ways old feelings can be stirred up in family life. This is not about blame. It is about making sense of what is happening so you can respond with more confidence, steadiness and understanding.

With children, I use play, creativity and conversation to help them express feelings safely. Play can show us important emotional themes: worries about being left, feeling out of control or needing to be in control, anger, loss, fear or needing closeness. Over time, these feelings can be understood rather than simply managed. My aim is to help families feel more connected, less stuck and better able to understand the meaning behind behaviour.

I also think carefully with parents about how therapy is held. Children and young people need a private, trusting space, while parents still need appropriate involvement and support. I aim to keep this balance clear, respectful and helpful so everyone understands how the work will be shared.

I’m an experienced Psychotherapist and play practitioner who’s spent 20 years supporting families through emotional challenges.

I’m a Registered member of ÌÇÐĹÙÍø, with a Masters in Psychotherapy and Counselling (three-year course), and post graduate qualifications in Therapeutic Play Practitioner (PTUK), Advanced Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Children’s Accelerated Trauma Therapy.

I offer two distinct services, but they work together:

1. For parents: I offer time to think about your child, your relationship and what may be happening underneath difficult behaviour. Together, we can make sense of patterns, reduce overwhelm and find thoughtful ways forward. I’ll think with you about the theory behind behaviour so there’s a clear plan with strategies to use.

2. For children and young people: I offer play therapy and psychotherapy to help them express feelings, understand themselves and process experiences that may be difficult to put into words. I have years of experience of working with highly traumatised and anxious children and young people. For me, this means I’m careful to make sure children feel understood and heard; I want children to feel confident that they can learn to manage their behaviour and express feelings safely.

Together, these services help families reconnect with hope, understanding and emotional confidence.

I offer a 15-minute consultation to help you work out if I'm right for you. 

It's really important to carefully look for a therapist – look with care and thoughtfulness, as not every therapist will be the right fit for you!

During this consultation I take some information about yourself, your family and, if appropriate, difficulties you are experiencing. We'll then think about what you want from your therapist – what it is that you are trying to achieve.

In the first session with parents, I note relationship history, parenting values and how you were parented. We think together about what goals you are setting and what you want to achieve. 

In the first session with children and young people, I trial different creative approaches and note initial history and family information. We think together carefully about what difficulties might be experienced.