PSYCHOTHERAPY

How do I work?

I offer one-to-one psychotherapy to children and adolescents aged 3-17 years old. Sessions are 50mins and we would aim to meet weekly (for now, all my work is offered online). My approach depends greatly on your child’s age, particular needs and circumstances.

I generally start by suggesting an initial 20min phone call to discuss your concerns and the type of support you are looking for. If we feel I may be able to help you, I then meet with parents/carers for a pre-assessment consultation on our own, for an hour to an hour and a half. If we then decide we might be a good fit to work together, I can then begin to work with your child directly in a safe, caring and confidential space. I work closely with parents and continue to meet regularly to think together about your child’s progress. With adolescents, we may agree for them to meet with me on their own from the start.

I am an Integrative Psychotherapist, meaning that I draw upon my training in various theoretical models. These include but are not limited to Attachment and Psychodynamic theories, underpinned by the latest neurobiological research. I am also trained in the therapeutic application of the expressive arts. I recognise play, creativity and the imagination as valuable elements in the healing process, as well as developing a positive, trusting and authentic relationship with my client. My model is child-led and I always aim to meet each young person’s unique needs by honouring and respecting their individuality, within their cultural framework.

How do I use the creative arts in therapy?

Children of all ages can find it difficult to express themselves and may struggle to engage in the more traditional ‘talking therapy’. Images and play are the child’s natural language, therefore the arts can provide them with an alternative, creative and gentle way to express their feelings. They also help me to better understand their thoughts, behaviours and emotional experiences. I use the following modalities within my sessions:

•       Drawing and painting        
•       Clay
•       Puppets
•       Drama
•       Music
•       Sand play
•       Dance, movement and bodywork
•       Creative writing, poetry and story telling
•       Play

I also use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as ‘tapping’) wherever I feel this tool could support the young person, particularly with worries, fears or anxiety.

Why do children come to therapy?

It is normal for all of us to experience difficulties and struggles in life. Sometimes, these challenges can feel overwhelming and of a persistent nature, causing some distress. As a result, they can interfere with daily activities and impact several areas of our lives, such as our ability to learn or to develop healthy relationships. Children can be particularly sensitive to these difficulties and psychotherapy can offer them the support they need to encourage self-awareness, develop healthier coping styles and improve their relationship with themselves and others. Below are examples of areas that I work with, however they are by no means limited to this list:

To book an initial consultation to discuss whether therapy might be a good choice for your child, please email me at lia@liayounes.com. Alternatively, you can fill in the form on the 'Contacts' page and I will be happy to explore this option with you.