Frequently Asked Questions
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What if my child's anxiety is too great to leave that house for their session?
Sessions need to be cancelled or rebooked with at least 48 hours notice. Sessions cancelled within the 48 hours are charged at full rate.
However, for some of the children I support, leaving the house can be a huge barrier to therapeutic support. On those days we will aim to have a phone/online session and the session is still charged at the session rate stated in the contract.
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How can therapy support my child?
Therapy can provide a safe place for children and young people to explore and process their thoughts, feelings and experiences with an emotionally safe professional. This adult can listen with empathy and compassion, help the child find meaning and search for helpful solutions. It can be a space where the child learns to trust another safe adult and where they learn that they do not have to experience their thought and feelings alone.
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Therapy should feel and be fun, safe and supportive, an hour in their week that they enjoy, even if they are going through challenging times.
I am able to advocate and offer recommendations for school, medical appointments and home support.
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What if my child struggles to talk about their challenges?
Many children who I support find talking about their experiences very challenging, especially at first. That is ok. They need time. Time to feel safe. There are many other approaches to therapeutic support which do not rely on speech, both in person, online or over the phone.
My first priority is always making sure the child or young person feels safe and connected and I use a range of creative and play based techniques to build safety and trust. I then can introduce non verbal activities and creativity to support self expression, exploration and understanding.
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I am also trained in and experienced with supporting children, young people and adults who have post stroke or brain injury aphasia.
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My child is being treated by a psychiatrist, can they work wth you too?
Yes, I offer psychotherapy, which will compliment psychiatric intervention, a normally medicalised approach. A psychiatrist may prescribe psychotherapy as part of a treatment plan.
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Are parents allowed to stay in the session?
Normally parents stay in the building, but sit outside of the room. However, some children and young people may need their parent to stay with them in the room at first, especially when experiencing separation anxiety. We work towards the parent being out of the room, with chairs outside the room and a separate space for parents to wait close by in the building.
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How many sessions will my child need?
Many of the children and young people I work with need time. Time to feel safe with me. time to feel safe in their body and mind. Then time to begin to explore their emotional pain.
In the initial parent/ carer consultation call we will decide if weekly or every other week is best for the child/young person. These are then booked in blocks of six sessions. At the end of the 6th session a review with the child and parent/ carer will take place to decide if another block of 6 is booked.
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Are parents allowed to stay in the session?
Normally parents stay in the building, but sit outside of the room. However, some children and young people may need their parent to stay with them in the room at first, especially when experiencing separation anxiety. We work towards the parent being out of the room, with chairs outside the room and a separate space for parents to wait close by in the building.
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I'm worried about my child, what should I do?
The first step is to email me or fill out my contact form with a brief summary of your concerns.
Then book an initial 30 or 60 minute parent/carer consultation call.
After this, you can decide if you wish to book in a 60 minute therapy session for your child, with me at The Little Bird House in Porthtowan or online.
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What should I say to my child before coming to therapy sessions?
You can share with them how you have noticed that they have been having a difficult time. Let them know you are now taking proactive steps to help them feel better and that you’ve found a lady who specialises in helping children manage challenging feelings and experiences. Her name is Fiona and she’s a therapist for children and young people. She has a special room filled with art materials, games and toys for you to choose to do whilst you get to know her. She can help us make a plan to understand and support you with the things that you are finding hard right now.
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For children having online sessions you could share that they can be at home where they feel safe and they don't, have to look at the screen for the whole session, it can be on the table next to you or turned away. Fiona just has to check its them at the start and end of the session by seeing their face briefly. Tell them they don't have to talk to me unless they feel safe and there are lots fun of things we can do that doesn't involve talking.