Emotional wellbeing
Helping children feel calm, confident and connected.
I provide 1:1 and small-group emotional wellbeing support for children and young people across London, tailored to each child’s needs, using the principles of cognitive behavioural approaches and therapeutic play.
Through this work we aim to
Support children to…
Understanding emotions
Helping children to recognise and name their feelings, and develop skills to regulate them.
Coping & resilience
Building a toolkit of coping strategies and the resilience to bounce back when things are hard.
Managing worries
Helping children to understand their worries, shrink them down to size and feel calmer.
Building confidence
Spotting their strengths, celebrating progress and growing a kinder, more confident view of themselves.
Connecting with others
Practising the skills that help friendships to start, grow and recover after a falling-out, and feeling part of a group.
The process
How it works
Getting started
We meet with the child or young person, their parents or carers and school staff to gather information and agree goals together.
Weekly sessions
Regular sessions take place with the child, individually or in a small group.
Review
We come back together with parents and school staff to reflect on progress, celebrate strengths and plan next steps.
Summary report
A written summary of the work and recommendations for moving forward is provided.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are cognitive behavioural approaches?
Cognitive behavioural approaches are built around the idea that what we think (our thoughts), how we feel (our emotions) and what we do (our behaviour) are all closely connected.
I use these approaches to help children and young people with a range of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, worries and low self-esteem.
Key principles
- Everything is connected: our thoughts shape our feelings, and our feelings shape what we do — and it works the other way too. Spotting and gently changing unhelpful thoughts can break a cycle that keeps a child stuck.
- Focused on the here and now: rather than digging deep into the past, sessions focus on the challenges a child is facing today, at home or at school, and on practical tools they can use.
- Building skills and independence: children learn to notice when their thinking is playing tricks on them and practise new ways of responding, so that over time they can become their own helpers.
What is therapeutic play?
Therapeutic play is a child-centred approach that uses play and creative activities to help children express their thoughts and feelings, make sense of difficult emotions and cope with stressful experiences.
The parts of a child’s brain that help them to put complex feelings into words are still developing, so play is often the most natural way for them to communicate. Toys and play materials become their words.
How it works
- Led by the child: rather than directing the session, the adult follows the child’s lead, creating a safe, accepting and non-judgemental space.
- Making big feelings visible: children often show their worries, fears or experiences through toys, sand, puppets or drawings, which lets them explore these feelings safely and at a comfortable distance.
- Calming and strengthening: playful, connected activity helps the brain to release calming chemicals such as oxytocin, which can reduce stress, support emotional regulation and build resilience.
How long will the sessions last?
- Cognitive behavioural approaches: a course usually runs for 6–8 weeks, with one 60-minute session each week.
- Therapeutic play: a programme usually runs for 6–12 weeks, with one 30–45 minute session each week.
Looking for costs? See prices →
Could your child benefit from some extra support?
Please get in touch today to chat through whether emotional wellbeing sessions might be right for them.