CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND PARENTS
I can support children young people and families in a variety of case
CHILDHOOD ANXIETY:
Anxiety can manifest in various ways in a child’s body, affecting both their physical sensations and emotional well-being. Children experiencing anxiety may exhibit symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, tense muscles, stomachaches, headaches, or feeling shaky or dizzy. They may also have difficulty sleeping or experience nightmares. These physical sensations are the body’s natural response to stress or perceived threats, and they can make a child feel scared, worried, or overwhelmed. Childhood anxiety can also manifest in other forms, for example as excessive worry about specific concerns such as the safety of parents, the possibility of burglars, or the fear of being separated from loved ones. As a clinical psychologist, I understand the significant impact that anxiety can have on a child’s emotional well-being and daily functioning, including challenges with school attendance and academic performance. Therefore, it is essential for me to collaborate closely with school staff to ensure comprehensive support for the child. Additionally, childhood anxiety is often a systemic issue that impacts the entire family, influenced by unhelpful family dynamics and communication patterns. Recognising this, I work holistically with families to address underlying issues and promote positive family interactions. As part of my role, I help children understand and manage these physical manifestations of anxiety through age-appropriate techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and creative expression. By teaching children to recognise and cope with their bodily sensations, we empower them to feel more in control and resilient in the face of anxiety. Through evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and play-based interventions, I work collaboratively with children to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. Together, we can work towards empowering children to overcome anxiety and thrive in their daily lives.
SUSPECTED AUTISM / ADHD:
As a clinical psychologist, I am experienced in supporting parents who suspect their child may have traits of autism or ADHD. I work collaboratively with parents and the child to identify potential neurodevelopmental traits, such as difficulties with social interaction, communication, attention, or impulsivity. Together, we explore adaptations and support strategies that can be implemented at home and in school to meet the child’s unique needs. Additionally, I provide guidance and information about the diagnostic process and refer families to specialist centres if they wish to pursue a formal diagnostic assessment. My approach is centred on empowering families with knowledge, resources, and support to navigate the journey of understanding and addressing their child’s neurodevelopmental differences with confidence and resilience.
Common signs of Autism (Autism Spectrum Conditions - ASC) in children and adolescents:
- Difficulty with social interaction, such as difficulty understanding social cues or expressing emotions.
- Repetitive behaviours or interests, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or intense fixation on specific topics or objects.
- Challenges with communication, including delayed speech or language development, difficulty maintaining conversations, or using repetitive language.
- Sensory sensitivities or difficulties, such as being overly sensitive to light, sound, textures, or smells.
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine, leading to anxiety or meltdowns.
- Difficulty understanding or expressing emotions, or difficulty empathising with others' feelings.
Common signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents:
- Inattention, including difficulty sustaining attention on tasks, being easily distracted, or making careless mistakes.
- Hyperactivity, such as excessive fidgeting, restlessness, or difficulty staying seated when expected.
- Impulsivity, including acting without thinking, interrupting others, or difficulty waiting their turn in activities.
- Difficulty organising tasks or activities, leading to messy workspaces or forgetfulness.
- Difficulty following instructions or completing tasks, particularly those that require sustained mental effort.
- Forgetfulness or frequently losing items necessary for tasks or activities.
DIAGNOSED CONDITIONS – POST-DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT:
As a clinical psychologist, I am dedicated to supporting families through the journey of understanding and managing their child's diagnosis of autism or ADHD. I provide tailored interventions and strategies to help families navigate the challenges associated with these neurodevelopmental conditions. This includes psychoeducation about autism or ADHD, helping families understand their child's unique strengths and challenges, and providing practical support in implementing behavioural interventions and coping strategies at home and in school. Additionally, I offer emotional support to parents, helping them navigate their own feelings and concerns about their child's diagnosis. By working collaboratively with families, I aim to empower them with knowledge, resources, and support to optimise their child's development and well-being and enhance family resilience.
I am dedicated to providing tailored support to children and adolescents navigating the challenges of medical conditions, empowering them to cope effectively and thrive. Drawing from my experience working with young patients in a children's hospital setting, I offer compassionate guidance and practical strategies to help children understand and manage their health conditions. Through age-appropriate psychoeducation, I help them develop a deeper understanding of their medical condition, treatment options, and self-care techniques. Additionally, I provide support in addressing emotional and psychosocial challenges that may arise, helping children build resilience and develop coping skills to navigate their healthcare journey with confidence. By fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship, I empower children to actively participate in their own care and advocate for their needs, ultimately promoting their overall well-being and quality of life.
I am committed to providing compassionate support to parents navigating the challenges of their child's medical condition, disability, or chronic illness. With a background in supporting families during and after pregnancy, as well as during diagnosis of malformation or disability, gained through a one-year internship in a children's hospital, I offer a safe and empathetic space for parents to express their feelings, fears, and concerns about their child's health. Through supportive counselling and psychoeducation, I help parents develop coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional responses associated with their child's condition. Additionally, I provide guidance on how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, advocate for their child's needs within medical settings, and navigate complex healthcare systems. I work collaboratively with parents to promote resilience and self-care, helping them find strength and empowerment in the face of adversity. By offering holistic support tailored to the unique needs of each family, I strive to enhance parental well-being and promote positive outcomes for both parents and their children.
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA:
I am dedicated to providing compassionate support to children and adolescents who have experienced childhood trauma, helping them heal and thrive. Childhood trauma can take many forms, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, accidents, or witnessing traumatic events. Regardless of the nature of the trauma, its impact can be profound and long-lasting, affecting a child’s emotional well-being, behaviour, and relationships. Drawing from evidence-based approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), play therapy, and expressive arts therapy, I offer a safe and supportive environment for children to process their experiences, express their feelings, and develop healthy coping strategies. Through therapeutic interventions tailored to each child’s unique needs, I help them build resilience, restore a sense of safety and trust, and cultivate positive coping skills to navigate the challenges of their trauma history. Additionally, I work collaboratively with families and other professionals to create a supportive network of care around the child, promoting healing, growth, and recovery.”
- Neglect (e.g., failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, or supervision)
- Domestic violence (e.g., witnessing physical or verbal abuse between caregivers)
- Loss of a loved one (e.g., death of a parent, sibling, or close relative)
- Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, floods)
- Accidents (e.g., car accidents, falls, burns)
- Witnessing traumatic events (e.g., community violence, terrorist attacks, war)
- Medical trauma (e.g., invasive medical procedures, surgeries, hospitalisations, chronic illness)
