Navigating the world of child therapy can feel a bit like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture without the instructions, overwhelming, slightly confusing and like there are a few pieces missing. I want to make working with me as straightforward as possible so you can focus on what matters which is supporting your child and getting family life back on track. Whether you are here because your child is struggling with school avoidance, separation anxiety or big feelings that seem to come out of nowhere, here is exactly how we can work together to find a way forward.
The First Step: Our Introductory Call
I do not jump straight into in-person sessions with children without us having a proper chat first because I believe the relationship between a therapist and the family is the cornerstone of successful work. This introductory call allows me to understand the landscape of your child’s world and what you have already tried so we can decide if I am the right person to help.
I strongly encourage both parents to be present on this call whenever possible because having everyone on the same page from the very beginning creates a much stronger foundation for the therapy to follow. I know that life is incredibly busy and finding a gap between school runs, work and the general chaos of family life is a challenge which is why I offer 9pm slots for these calls. Once the kids are finally in bed and the house is quiet, we can actually focus and talk properly without being interrupted by a request for a third glass of water or a missing teddy bear.
You can book these introductory calls directly through my Calendly page{target="_blank"} which shows my current availability in real time. I suggest 30-minute calls in general, but there is the option for 60 minutes in more complex cases.
Child Therapy vs. Parenting Support: Choosing the Right Path
I offer two distinct ways of working and I will decide with you which one fits your situation best during our initial chat.
In-Person Child Therapy
For children, usually primary age or young secondary, I work in person at the Mill Hill Therapy Hub{target="_blank"} on Sunbury Avenue. My approach is humanistic and child-led which means I use a lot of play, art materials and specifically clay or slime to help children express what they might not yet have the words for. In-person work is my priority for children because the physical presence and the shared environment of the therapy room are vital for building trust and safety. I rarely work online with children and only do so in truly exceptional circumstances because I believe that staring at a screen cannot replicate the therapeutic connection that happens when we are in the same room.
Parenting Support Calls
Sometimes the best way to help a child is actually by supporting the parents directly and I offer dedicated parenting support via phone calls. These are tactical, practical and focused sessions where we can dive into specific strategies and word-for-word scripts to help you navigate your child's anxiety. These calls are flexible and can be booked as one-offs or as part of an ongoing support plan and they are often the quickest way to start making positive changes at home.
The Mill Hill Therapy Hub: Where the Magic Happens
All my in-person sessions take place at the Mill Hill Therapy Hub which is a warm and welcoming space designed to make children feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door. Located on Sunbury Avenue, it is a dedicated therapeutic environment where I have all the materials and space needed for our sessions. If you are looking for therapy for yourself or another family member the Hub also hosts a wide range of practitioners so it really is a community dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.
Assessment Sessions
I also offer assessment sessions for children when a family needs a clearer picture of what may be happening for them in school and what support may be needed next. These are one-off sessions where I meet with the child, observe how they present in the room and consider what may be affecting them in the classroom or wider school environment.
Following an assessment session, I can write a letter for school with practical recommendations to help staff better understand the child and put more effective support in place. Where appropriate, I can also write letters to support referrals for occupational therapy, speech and language therapy or medical input so that families have a clearer route to the next stage of care. There is a charge for referral letters.
School Talks
I speak in schools for both parents and staff and these talks are designed to improve understanding of children's mental health while also offering practical strategies that people can use straight away. I can attend school coffee mornings for parents and INSET sessions for teachers.
Topics can include anxiety, resilience, phobias, school transitions and helping children build a lasting sense of self-esteem throughout their education. If your school would like to discuss a talk or training session, please get in touch through my Calendly.
TV Appearances and Public Conversations
Alongside therapy, parenting support and school talks, I also contribute to wider public conversations about children's mental health. This includes media appearances where I speak about issues affecting children and families and help make these topics more accessible to a wider audience. If you have seen me on television or in public discussions, that work sits alongside my clinical practice and reflects the same focus on anxiety, child development and practical support for parents.
Investing in Your Family: Fees and Discounts
Let's talk about the financial side because transparency here is really important. I am not on any private health insurance panels which means I am an out-of-network provider. I made this decision so that I can focus entirely on the clinical needs of the children and families I work with without the administrative constraints that often come with insurance companies.
However, I am committed to making therapy accessible and I understand that the cost can be a significant barrier for many families. I offer discounted rates for single-parent families and for families who are in genuine financial need. If you feel you fall into this category please do mention it during our introductory call so I can discuss a fee that works for both of us because I never want a child to miss out on support due to financial circumstances.
How to Book: The Simple Two-Step Process
I use two different platforms to keep things organised and make the booking process as smooth as possible for you.
- For Introductory Calls and Parenting Support: Use my Calendly link{target="_blank"}. This is for our very first chat and for any subsequent parenting support calls you might need. It is integrated with my diary so you can pick a time that suits you, including those 9pm evening slots.
- For Regular Therapy Sessions: Once we have had our intro call and decided to move forward with in-person therapy for your child I will set you up on Splose. This is my practice management system where you can manage your child's ongoing session bookings, handle payments and keep all your details in one secure place.
Resources to Keep You Going
While we are working together, or even if you are just starting to think about support, I have created several resources that might help you find some immediate relief and understanding.
- My Book: "Help! My Child's Anxiety is Giving Me Anxiety"{target="_blank"} is essentially a toolkit for parents. It is full of practical strategies and scripts that you can start using today and it also focuses on your own anxiety as a parent because I know that when you feel calmer your child is more likely to feel calmer too.
- The Podcast: I co-host the podcast "Help! My Child's Anxious"{target="_blank"} with my mother, Vanessa Feltz, where we dive deep into the everyday challenges of raising an anxious child. It is a great way to feel less alone and to hear real-world advice while you are on the school run or doing the washing up.
If you are ready to take that first step I would love to hear from you. Head over to Calendly{target="_blank"} and let’s find a time to talk.