ABOUT

Lia-Younes

I am fascinated by human development and how our earliest experiences can influence our lives. Today, with over 20 years experience working with children, parents and educators in various countries and settings, I continue to dedicate my work to supporting young people through a variety of avenues.

I strongly believe that in order to best serve and support our children, we must first create a safe space to reflect on our own stories, needs and challenges, and also to prioritise our own wellness. I therefore bring a very systemic approach to my work and offer support to both children and the caring adults in their lives.

I am bilingual and offer my services in both English and in French.

Coming from a mixed cultural background, I really enjoy working with diverse groups of individuals, respecting each person's very unique experiences. I have also lived in several countries around the world, which allows me to be particularly sensitive to the experience of moving around between cultures, especially during childhood and early adulthood.

Alongside my psychotherapy practice, I also enjoy working as a trainer and therapeutic consultant in a variety of contexts. I work with Luminate, delivering workshops and teaching psychology and neuroscience in order to help to improve mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. In addition, I work closely with legal professionals in Family Law, supporting them and the families they work with as they navigate divorce and separation, through trainings, workshops and 1:1 consultancy.

I have managed counselling services in a number of schools in West London, with the Schools Counselling Partnership. In this role, I provided therapeutic support to children, school staff and families. I also offered mental health-themed assemblies, staff INSETs and parent coffee mornings. In addition, I continue to proudly serve as a member of the Advisory Board to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

I hold a Masters degree in Integrative Child Psychotherapy. I also gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Certificate in Integrative Counselling Skills and an Advanced Diploma in the Therapeutic Application of the Arts. 

In addition, I trained with Dr Karl Heinz Brisch to become a B.A.S.E. ® Babywatching Group Leader and I am able to bring this low-cost programme to schools. B.A.S.E. stands for Babywatching Against Aggression and Anxiety, for Sensitivity and Empathy. I also previously gained extensive Masters-level training in Special Education, specialising in teaching children with multiple and complex needs, including deaf-blindness, and have worked as an Early Years teacher in a general education setting.

I am a professional member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I adhere to their Codes of Ethics, which entail maintaining confidentiality and relational boundaries at all times. I also regularly reflect on my practice with a senior clinical supervisor. 

I have an up-to-date enhanced DBS (Disclosures and Barring Service) certificate. This means that I am able to work with children and vulnerable people. I have also completed the UKCP Covid-19 Online Working Guidance.

I feel honoured to support children and adults on their courageous and creative journeys and I continue to learn from them every day.