Families usually contact me when a parent, child, adolescent or young adult is experiencing difficulties.
I provide structured assessments to understand what each family member is experiencing and how this is affecting their individual wellbeing and family relationships. Following the assessment phase, I offer targeted interventions to support meaningful progress for each individual, strengthening the overall wellbeing of the family.
Step 1: Parent Consultation
I begin with a consultation with the parent(s).
This session clarifies:
• The presenting concerns
• Behavioural or emotional difficulties
• The impact on family life
• Each parent’s psychological wellbeing
• The parental relationship (where relevant)
Much of my work has involved supporting high-performing adults in demanding professional roles. I understand the pressures of maintaining performance while managing family responsibilities. Where relevant, our work will also focus on sustaining adult wellbeing and effectiveness, both personally and professionally.
Where indicated, I may meet with parents individually.
Step 2: Understanding the Child or Young Person
For primary school-aged children, assessment is conducted through detailed parental consultation and review of behavioural, contextual and any additional clinical or academic information.
For adolescents and young adults, where appropriate and with their agreement, I meet with them directly as part of the assessment process.
As part of assessment, I can screen for indicators of ADHD, autism or learning differences and advise on whether further diagnostic assessment would be helpful.
School Reports, Medical Information and Clinical Reports can be provided to me to ensure I have all relevant information.
Step 3: Recommendations Meeting
Following assessment, I meet with the parent(s)and provide a structured formulation and tailored intervention plan.
This includes:
• A clear understanding of the presenting difficulties
• Contributing individual, systemic and relational factors
• Practical recommendations for parents
• Strategies to support the child or young person
• Guidance regarding further support, if required
Step 4: Implementation & Review
I offer weekly sessions to support implementation, review progress and adjust interventions as needed. Usually I meet families weekly for 4 weeks, then fortnightly or monthly as required. Once discharged, families often return for ad hoc advice which I very much welcome over the years.
The aim is steady, sustained progress and meaningful improvement in family functioning.