I have over 20 year’s experience working with individuals, couples, families and young people with a wide range of difficulties. I have worked in adult and youth mental health services, Relate, schools and colleges. Alongside my private practice I currently work with young people living in residential care, supporting carers, parents and staff.

Young people living in residential care can be angry, hurt or confused and often present with challenging behaviours which reflect their difficult life experiences. Staff Consultation and Therapy. At 5ab Care, I offer individual therapy sessions to the young people and monthly staff consultations, training and support to staff teams enabling them to care with confidence in attachment focussed approaches. Understanding how young people express their needs and when behaviour communicates those needs in challenging ways, helps staff to respond with compassion, empathy and strategies that are helpful and appropriate.

Therapy offers a confidential and safe place to explore adjusting to life in care, building relationships with caring adults and processing past difficulties. Rebuilding safe and secure attachments helps young people to become more resilient and trusting. Ultimately, we want these vulnerable young people to believe in themselves, feel valued and cared for; enabling them to achieve their potential, enjoying a happy and fulfilled future.