Fiona

Growing up can be complicated. Sometimes, feelings are difficult to understand, experiences are hard to put into words, and life can feel overwhelming. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, loss, friendships, confidence or simply trying to understand who they are, having someone who takes the time to listen and understand can make a real difference.

I am a warm, caring and compassionate counsellor who works with children and young people aged 6–18. I believe every child deserves to have a voice and, in a world that can often feel noisy and overwhelming, to have the opportunity to feel truly seen, heard and understood.

With over 25 years of experience working with children, young people and their families, I bring a wealth of knowledge, understanding and sensitivity to my counselling work. I have supported some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society and have worked across a range of settings, including mainstream and SEND schools. I also have experience supporting international students and neurodivergent young people.

I understand that coming to counselling can feel daunting, whether you're a young person unsure of what to expect or a parent hoping to find the right support for your child. I aim to create a safe, welcoming space where young people can feel comfortable being themselves, without pressure or fear of judgement.

I am an integrative, child-centred counsellor, which means I adapt my approach to meet each young person's individual emotional and developmental needs. I use creative counselling, including art and play, to help children explore their feelings and experiences in ways that feel natural to them.

Sometimes, finding the right words for how we feel can be incredibly difficult, particularly when we're young. Through creativity, play and a trusting therapeutic relationship, children can begin to explore their inner world, make sense of difficult experiences and express things they may not yet know how to say.

I believe that building trust is at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work. I take time to get to know each young person, allowing the relationship to develop at their pace. Together, we can begin to unravel what life feels like for them, explore different perspectives and discover ways to navigate the challenges they face.

I have a particular interest in supporting young people experiencing bereavement and loss, anxiety, difficulties with identity, low self-worth and confidence, and those navigating neurodiversity or coming to terms with a new diagnosis.

I recognise that every young person's experience is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding feelings or finding a way forward. I work alongside each child or young person with patience, curiosity and compassion, helping them feel that their experiences matter and that they don't have to work everything out alone.

I trained at the Institute for Arts in Education and Therapy (IATE), where I gained my Diploma in Child Counselling, and I am a member of the BACP.