The Clarity Consultation
I always carry out a full 90 minute assessment, called a Clarity Consultation, at the beginning of a Seedlings or Saplings programme. Covering such issues as social circumstances, developmental history, progress at school, family background and so on, the Clarity Consultation enables me to get as full a picture of the child or young person as possible, and gain a deep understanding of their issues, so I can tailor the programme to their specific needs and ensure transformative results for them.
At least one parent/carer, or a social worker, needs to be present with a child or young person for their Clarity Consultation. In cases where parents are no longer together, and do not wish to attend the appointment together, I will invite whichever parent does not live with the child to attend a separate appointment or have a telephone consultation with me, if both parents are happy with this.
Sometimes the Clarity Consultation will indicate that a child or young person’s difficulties may be part of wider issues that affect the whole family. In such circumstances I may see the child or young person for individual work initially and then see parents/carers separately, where appropriate, to enable them to work on their own issues which may be affecting their child’s situation e.g. unresolved grief/anger following a divorce or bereavement or a need to develop new parenting strategies.
"Feeling heard and understood allows children to release the feelings and move on."
The Seedlings Programme
Children between the ages of 8-12 can work with me in a 3 or 6 month ‘Seedlings’ programme which incorporates elements of play therapy, counselling and coaching but also includes ecotherapy, animal assisted therapy and EFT as appropriate.
My younger clients are encouraged to express themselves through gentle, non-threatening activity such as imaginative play. I use a wide range of ‘props’ to assist exploration and expression of feelings through creative, sensory activities – buttons, dolls, puppets, games, books, musical instruments and so on. I also use music, relaxation techniques and creative visualisation to help children express themselves.
The programme begins with a 90 minute Clarity Consultation and continues with weekly 1:1 appointments for your child. It also includes support for parents with unlimited email access to me during the term of the programme, along with a host of other features.
If you would like to find out more about a Seedlings programme for your child, do book a free 30 minute Clarity Call with me so we can discuss their needs in detail and see if it would be a good match for them. You can book your call here.
WE NOW HAVE A HAPPY CHILD AGAIN
"My Husband and I contacted Frances after our young Daughter developed PTSD symptoms. Frances is so lovely and kind, caring and compassionate. Our Daughter would look forward to her sessions with Frances (and Bertha, the dog). We now have a happy child again and we will forever be grateful." "It has truly been a brilliant experience. What a truly wonderful, safe place to learn to help support your child through a vulnerable stage. Both my daughter and I have benefitted immensely."
The Saplings Programme
Teenagers between the ages of 13-18 are offered my 3 or 6 month ‘Saplings’ programme, which incorporates counselling and coaching along with ecotherapy, animal assisted therapy and EFT as appropriate . There is less focus on play, but creative activities still feature, and the programme content is tailored to your teenagers’s specific needs and wishes.
The programme begins with a 90 minute Clarity Consultation and continues with weekly 1:1 appointments for your teenager. It also includes support for parents with unlimited email access to me during the term of the programme, along with a host of other features.
If you would like to find out more about a Saplings programme for your teenager, do book a free 30 minute Clarity Call with me so we can discuss their needs in detail and see if it would be a good match for them. You can book your call here.
THE NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF HIS MELTDOWNS HAVE DECREASED
"We have really noticed a huge difference in the way our son is able to cope and manage his emotions now. The number and severity of his meltdowns have decreased and he is able to talk about his emotions and feelings now."
Animal Assisted Therapy
Therapy animals are increasingly being used to assist adults and children with a wide range of emotional and psychological disorders including depression, recovery from trauma, anxiety and neuroses. The presence of an animal in the therapy room can make sessions more pleasurable and productive, and improve therapeutic outcomes. Clients experience calming effects, brightening of mood, increased self-esteem, stress reduction and increased motivation.
Child-animal interactions can also provide the following benefits:
- Promote development of empathy
- Help withdrawn children to interact and open up
- Help children to develop a rapport with their therapist
- Non-judgemental acceptance of child offered by animal
- Improved socialisation skills
- Non-threatening physical contact, touch
- Physiological benefits – increased ability to relax
- Decreased heart rate and blood pressure
I am one of only a handful of therapists offering AAT in the UK. My work with my first therapy dog, Tilly, was featured in numerous publications including Psychologies magazine and The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s Journal. Sadly Tilly passed away in 2017 so now I offer my young clients the opportunity to have Bertha, a Black Labrador, present in their sessions if they wish. She has been thoroughly obedience trained, and assessed by the organisation ‘Pets as Therapy’, and I am fully insured to use Bertha in my therapeutic work with children and young people.
EFT
I have found a technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique or ‘tapping’) to be a very effective treatment when working with children and teenagers.
EFT, which involves tapping on specific points on the face and body whilst talking about the issue being worked on (for a full explanation please see EFT for Adults) It has been described by clinical psychologist Dr. Phil Mollon as “an additional perspective (on conventional and traditional understanding of the workings of the mind and body) that hugely advances the speed, depth and effect of psychotherapy” (Mollon, 2007)
With the help of my specially designed EFT teddy (Tappy Bear) I show children and young people whereabouts they need to tap on their faces and hands; it is so easy to learn that they soon become skilled in knowing where and how to use the technique. Teaching children the technique to use themselves empowers them by giving them a life skill, or coping strategy, which is transferable to other problems they may have.
Ecotherapy
Ecotherapy involves a trained therapist leading clients through different activities to develop a balanced relationship with nature, that benefits their wellbeing and has many positive health benefits such as improved mental health, improved physical health and increased confidence. My young clients can experience ecotherapy in a number of ways if they wish to, for example:- Coming into contact with farm animals at Sunshine Barn – we have a sheep called Beatrice, and a farm cat called Joni, in addition to our PAT dog, Bertha. Children and young people can spend relaxed time feeding and petting the animals.
- Spending time in the garden during sessions, or going for a walk in the surrounding fields
- Bringing nature into the therapy room by collecting natural materials such as leaves, flowers, feathers, tree bark, seeds etc to decorate the rooms and use in art projects.
- Looking out over the garden and paddock from the therapy room
"Play is a child’s natural medium for self expression."
Sunshine Barn
Children and young people are always seen in the non-clinical, cosy and safe surroundings of Sunshine Barn which has been designed to be low-stress and homely, making it easier for them to relax and engage with therapy.
Located on a farm in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, Sunshine Barn is a single storey, converted farm building offering a cosy therapy room for assessments and therapy sessions; and a comfortable waiting room so parents/carers can stay while their child is being seen.
The therapy room opens on to a private garden and adjoining paddock offering children and young people easy access to nature and our farm animals.
The non-clinical environment appeals greatly to children and young people and helps them to engage with their therapy. Its comfortable furnishings help them feel relaxed and valued. The environment also enables me to incorporate Ecotherapy into my approach which is known to improve emotional wellbeing
THE NEXT STEP
Are you ready to find out more about working with me? If you are interested in a high touch, specialist programme then let's have a chat . . .
Potential programme clients are always offered a free 30 minute telephone consultation with me, which can be booked by clicking the button below. It’s called a Clarity Call, and it is a chance for you to tell me more about yourself – or your child – and your situation, and it enables me to get a sense of you, or your child, what your needs are and how I can serve you best. If we feel like a good fit, I can explain more about the programmes I offer and you can ask me any questions you may have.