CHILDREN
AND
YOUNG PEOPLE
Many children and young people are currently experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional or physical challenges.
As a parent or carer, it can be difficult to see a young person struggling and not always know how to help, so finding the right support is important for all of you. Every child is different and the type of support that feels comfortable and safe will vary from one young person to another.
Mind-Body therapies are safe, evidence based practices that are effective for young people, without relying solely on verbal communication.
My approach is flexible and person centred, drawing on a range of therapeutic modalities to best meet the needs of the young person I am working with.
I offer a free initial conversation with parents or carers to explore what is happening and discuss whether my approach may be helpful. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss whether you feel you need support yourself. See here for more information on this
Sessions can support young people experiencing stress, anxiety, exam stress, trauma, eating difficulties, cancer, chronic pain, long-term illness, or bereavement.
Scroll down for more information on individual therapies.
Integrative Somatic Therapy
When the nervous system becomes disregulated, it can affect how we experience the world around us. We may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from what our bodies are trying to tell us. Increasing awareness of what is happening in the body can help you to understand more about your stress response, support your nervous system to be regulated and flexible, and help the mind and body begin to work together again.
During sessions we will develop practical resources, tools and techniques that are relevant to you that you feel able to use at home to support you, increasing self knowledge, self esteem and confidence.
Yoga therapy, breathwork, relaxation techniques, grounding, mindfulness can all be used within somatic therapy.
Reflexology
A gentle way to ease you out of a stress response and into a state of deep relaxation, without you having to do anything!
Sessions reduce tension, aid sleep, improve mood, promote a sense of physical and emotional wellbeing and provide time in a safe space, to be listened to or switch off and rest.
It’s less inhibiting than some other touch therapies as you only need to take off your socks and shoes! You may also wish to wrap up in a cosy blanket and listen to a choice of your own music.
Facial Reflexology
All of the same benefits as foot reflexology with the added benefit of reducing tension in the face, head and neck much more quickly. We hold so much in our faces when we are stressed or in pain. Easing the tension and reducing stress levels can provide a deeply relaxing treatment, while supporting the relief of stress related symptoms. Sessions can be carried out with or without oil. Great if you don’t like having your feet touched!
Breathwork
Our breath and our emotions are closely connected. When we’re anxious or overwhelmed our breathing can become fast and shallow; when we feel relaxed and at ease it may be deeper and slower. By noticing and changing the way that we breathe we can often change the way we feel quite quickly. Understanding that we have some control over our breath, and recognising what is happening within the body and brain, can feel very empowering.
Changing breathing patterns isn’t always as easy as it sounds and can take a little time and practice. For children and young people especially, it can be helpful to explore breathing in a more active way initially. Feeling the breath in the body through movement, stretching or play can make it easier to notice and understand, before moving on to more subtle breathwork.
Yoga Therapy
A responsive, trauma aware therapy - a session may look quite different from what is now more often thought of as ‘yoga’
Any of the following may be used in a session:
postures; breath work; mindfulness; creativity; play; sensory integration techniques; relaxation.
As well as supporting all of the above mentioned things, yoga therapy can be particularly supportive for chronic pain.
Through responsive, child led, mind body-therapies young people can also begin to:
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engage the parts of the brain that let them understand, reason and hear.
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reduce defensive reactions such as fear and anger.
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increase feelings of safety and connection and social engagement.
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understand how thoughts can affect emotions and behaviours.
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find acceptance and validation of themselves and their opinions, empowering them to find their voice.