Are you worried about a child or young person's mental health? As a parent and qualified teacher I understand how concerning it can be when a young person begins to show signs that they are struggling.
They may be experiencing mood swings, aggression, social difficulties, poor concentration, withdrawal, troubling thoughts, school avoidance or self-harm.
Waiting lists for services can be long and there may be pressure from schools if the child's attendance is falling. This is why many parents seek a private therapist for their child.
It is my mission to provide timely, affordable and engaging therapy for children and teenagers aged 4 to 18. I can work either in the familiar setting of the home or at school. Some older teenagers may prefer to work online via Zoom.
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Children, Young People and Families Division and adhere to their code of conduct, competencies and professional development. For more information about this professional body, please visit the BACP website. I also hold full, enhanced DBS clearance for work in schools and at home.
My approach to therapy is 'child led' and 'trauma informed'. This means that I work with each child / teen's unique skills, interests and preferences to build a safe therapeutic relationship in which they are empowered to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours in their own way and at their own pace.
You can read more about me on the home page.
If the child or teen is neurodivergent, on the ND Pathway or showing possible signs of ADHD, sensory challenges or autism, it is important that they work with a therapist who is understanding of their sensory needs, communication styles, play preferences and special interests.
I have many years of experience of working with neurodiverse children and young people. Please see my neurodiversity affirmative therapy page for more details.
I provide a range of engaging, fun resources as I understand and respect that, for children, play and creative expression are their principal forms of communication and the way that they make sense of the world around them.
During a session a child / teen may engage in:
Ruth has made a great difference to the children she has worked with in school. They get so much out of the sessions and we can see an improvement in their mood and behaviour.
Z, Fleetwood
I believe that high quality, personalised counselling and psychotherapy should be accessible to all and that you shouldn't have to join a long waiting list to get it.
My rates are affordable and I offer discounted rates for children and those in financial hardship.
Contact me to arrange a free 20 minute introductory consultation.
Contact me to start your journey with Elements Therapy:
Based in Lytham St Annes, my outdoor ecotherapy sessions typically take place around the beautiful beaches, dunes and various woodlands of my home town.
For child therapy, I offer home and school visits across the Fylde Coast, including: Blackpool, Fleetwood, Freckleton, Kirkham, Lytham, Poulton-le-Fylde, St Annes, Staining, Thornton-Cleveleys, Wesham and Wrea Green.
For adults, I also offer an affordable online therapy service if you would prefer to stay in the comfort of your own surroundings.
With the power of Zoom or similar, I can reach clients further afield throughout Lancashire and the North West, including: Accrington, Blackburn, Bolton, Bowness, Burnley, Chorley, Garstang, Kendal, Heysham, Lancaster, Leyland, Morecambe, Ormskirk, Over Wyre, Preston, Southport, Warrington, Wigan, Windermere and more.
Face-to-face counselling and ecotherapy is also available at my retreat in Gosforth in the West Lakes serving Seascale, Egremont, St Bees, Whitehaven, Maryport, Millom, Workington and the wider West Cumbria coast.
© Elements Therapy 2023-2024
Created by: EasierThan Website Design, Lytham St Annes