Julia Gray

My experience and interest are in working with young people and their families. I have a Masters in Psychodynamic Counselling for Children and Adolescents and a Post Graduate Diploma in Interpersonal Therapy which specifically targets depression. My approach is to work collaboratively with the young person and family to help explore the dynamics within relationships, improve communication and foster hope that change can happen. I have raised five children and understand the struggles of parenting, particularly now when the demands on young people are increasingly challenging. I offer a combination of individual, parent and family sessions, depending on the client's needs. I always try to be both curious and compassionate, understanding how big a step coming to therapy can be.

I see clients for between 8-12 sessions but this can vary according to need, this is discussed at initial contact. The Interpersonal approach focusses on relationships within the family system as well as in the wider context, such as school and peer group. Young people can very often feel stuck and regarded as a 'problem', so in exploring their individual circumstances, symptoms e.g depression, anxiety or challenging behaviour, can be re-framed and better understood. In our sessions we will explore the history and background to the presenting problem as well as relationships and circumstances that are maintaining the issues. I foster better communication, resilience and hope, building on what families do well with the aim of reducing worrying symptoms and behaviour.

My first session is an assessment of what the presenting difficulties are. I may use questionnaires in order to help identify the impact of symptoms on day to day life , including , where indicated, any risk of harm or suicidal thoughts. This can be a springboard for further exploration of the clients experience. I always talk to parents and work together with you to understand what is causing and maintaining the problem. We will start to think about goals and a treatment plan. It's also of paramount importance for me to begin fostering a good therapeutic relationship in this first session.