My Work with Children

As a parent you want to know what type of help your child will be getting and who they will be working with. I'm happy to talk with you over the phone so you can get a sense of me and I have outlined my work with children on this page.

With older teens I often work in the same way as with adults however with younger children I may play games or use art materials to help them express themselves and feel comfortable with me. I allow the child to decide for themselves; some are happy to sit and talk whilst others may start drawing or want to play a board game with me. The therapy then takes place through these interactions and is more comfortable than just trying to talk about things.

Therapy becomes a space away from their usual home and school lives, a place where they are not being evaluated or told what to do. Instead they can explore, discover, and express what's going on within themselves. I find this type of environment to be very effective in allowing children to resolve issues in their own way that is very personal and lasts.

Here are the theoretical principles of my work with children -

• Is genuinely interested in the child and develops a warm, caring relationship

• Experiences unqualified acceptance of the child and does not wish that the child were different in some way

• Creates a feeling of safety and permissiveness in the relationship so the child feels free to explore and express themselves.

• Is sensitive to the child's feelings and reflects those feelings in such a manner that the child develops self-understanding

• Respects the child's ability to solve personal problems and allows them to do so.

• Trusts the child's inner direction and allows them to lead in all areas of therapy.

• Appreciates the gradual nature of therapy and does not attempt to hurry the process

• Establishes therapeutic limits that help the child accept personal responsibility

I've worked with many young people over the years and pride myself on offering them respect, empathy, and the freedom to develop at their own pace through the sessions. If this sounds like something your child would benefit from then please get in touch and we can arrange a first session.

07828 501775

andyhibberd@gmail.com