CHILDREN
AND
YOUNG PEOPLE
Many children and young people are currently experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and a range of emotional or physical challenges.
As a parent or carer, it can be difficult to see a young person struggling and not always know how best to support them, so finding the right support is important for all of you. Every child is unique and the type of support that feels comfortable and safe will vary from one young person to another.
Mind-Body therapies are safe, evidence informed practices that can be supportive for young people, particularly when verbal communication feels difficult.
My approach is flexible and person centred, drawing on a range of therapeutic modalities to meet the individual needs of each young person I work with.
I offer a free initial conversation with parents or carers to explore what is happening and whether my approach may be a good fit. This is also an opportunity to consider whether you might benefit from support yourself. (See here for more information)
Sessions may support young people experiencing stress, anxiety, exam related pressure, 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 towards regulation and flexibility, and help the mind and body begin to work in harmony.
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, where there is no pressure on you to do anything!
Sessions are designed to reduce tension, aid sleep, improve mood, promote a sense of physical and emotional wellbeing and provide time in a supportive space, to be listened to or simply 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 focus of directly reducing tension in the face, head and neck. We hold so much in our faces when we are stressed or in pain. By gently easing this tension and reducing stress levels in the body, we can gently encourage a state of deep relaxation, while supporting the relief of stress related symptoms. Sessions are adaptable to your comfort and 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 may become fast and shallow; when we feel at ease it often becomes deeper and slower. By noticing the way that we breathe, we can learn to influence how we feel. Understanding that we can support our own nervous system in this way can feel very empowering.
However, 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 feel and experience, rather than just something that they have to 'think' about.
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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Gently engage the parts of the brain responsible for understanding, reasoning and listening.
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Navigate intense reactions such as fear and anger.
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Cultivate a deep sense of internal safety, connection and social engagement.
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Explore the connection between their physical sensations, thoughts and emotions.
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find acceptance and validation for who they are, empowering them to trust their own voice.