Therapeutic Work

I have gained Theraplay UK  Level 1 and Level 2 certification. I can currently offer Theraplay based approaches within individual work alongside parents/carers and with groups of children and young people in school and home settings although my capacity is limited for this work.

 

Theraplay has evidence-based status . Theraplay is a child and family therapy for enhancing and building attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction 
between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun. Theraplay interactions focus on four essential qualities found in parent-child relationships: Structure, Engagement, Nurture, and Challenge.

​

I am a certified DNA-V coach and can provide individual and group DNA-V based work to support emotional wellbeing and mental health needs in both home and school settings. DNA-V is a proven therapeutic approach that helps children and young people build emotional resilience, manage their feelings, and improve their overall wellbeing. It combines strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Positive Psychology, focusing on key areas like values, emotions, and self-acceptance.

​

In simple terms, DNA-V helps young people learn how to:

​

1. Understand their feelings – learning to accept and manage emotions rather than trying to avoid or control them.

2. Identify their values – discovering what really matters to them, which helps them make decisions and set meaningful goals.

3. Build strengths – focusing on their positive qualities and what they’re good at, to boost their confidence and sense of self.

4. Take action – encouraging them to take small, positive steps towards their goals, even when faced with difficult emotions.

 

The aim is to empower children and young people to feel more in control of their lives and better able to cope with challenges, helping them grow into confident, resilient individuals.

​

I also can offer emotion coaching support and training and am currently in the process of accreditation to be able to provide two day accredited training in this area.  Emotion Coaching is a supportive approach that helps young people and their families understand and manage emotions more effectively. It involves teaching children how to recognize and label their feelings, helping them to understand why they feel the way they do, and guiding them in how to express those emotions in healthy ways.

​

In the moment, Emotion Coaching can help young people and their families:

1. Recognise and understand emotions – identifying feelings as they happen, which helps to reduce emotional overwhelm.

2. Regulate emotional responses – learning techniques to manage strong emotions like anger, frustration, or anxiety, which can prevent emotional outbursts or behavioural challenges.

3. Improve communication – encouraging open, empathetic conversations about feelings, which can strengthen family bonds and foster understanding.

4. Develop problem-solving skills – guiding young people to make thoughtful decisions about how to handle difficult emotions and situations.

 

By supporting emotional and behavioural regulation in real-time, Emotion Coaching helps families create a calm, responsive environment that allows young people to feel heard, understood, and empowered to manage their emotions effectively. This can lead to better emotional wellbeing, reduced conflict, and more positive relationships within the family.