Jennifer Jones

Hello and welcome to my profile. I am an Integrative Child Counsellor and mindfulness teacher and have worked in the field of mental health for over a decade. I have experience of working with children and young people (CYP) of all ages (4-18), both in a school setting and in private practice.

I offer a relaxed and creative space for young people experiencing difficulties to share, in confidence, about things that are worrying them or affecting their day-to-day life. Whether it's depression, anxiety and mental health concerns, or issues at home or at school, I aim to provide a safe, supportive place to talk through problems that may be confusing, painful or uncomfortable. The aim of counselling for both children and adults alike is the same: to help the individual cope better with their feelings and to enjoy life again.

As an integrative counsellor, my training enables me to incorporate a number of approaches in my practice. I work with a range of art and play materials including paint, clay, puppets, mini-figures and sand tray, enabling CYP to communicate in a medium they have chosen and to explore all aspects of how they are feeling, in a playful and experimental manner.

Older children may also want to utilise talking therapy or CBT techniques for specific issues such as anxiety, phobias or depression.

If it is appropriate and may be of benefit, I integrate mindfulness and compassion-based practices into our sessions. This helps CYP learn to choose their responses to challenging circumstances, rather than simply reacting or ‘acting out’ their difficult emotions.

I work in-person in an equipped arts and play therapy room with children and young people up to the age of 18.

Sessions are individual and tailored to each person, depending on their age, situation and developmental needs, and what they are drawn to.

My areas of speciality include: Anxiety, Depression, Emotional regulation, Working with trauma, Low self-esteem, Working with ADHD and ASD, School and family-related issues

In all cases I am led by my clients’ needs and wishes and, importantly, they learn that any emotion or feeling is welcome.

My approach is also brain and body based: that is thinking about any neurological impact caused by trauma or distress, how it affects their state of being in the world, how they experience the world around them (physiologically and emotionally) and the impact on their self-regulation, self-esteem and mood.

Depending on the age and circumstances of my clients, I like to alongside parents/carers and see us as part of a team.

Above all else, the therapeutic relationship is key, and I aim to establish a relationship based on trust and to provide an open and non-judgmental space where my young clients can learn to develop positive relationships with themselves and others around them.

We can have a short conversation before booking an initial appointment.

The first session is a chance for me to meet with parents/carers on their own, to take a developmental history and to hear about any concerns you have for your child or what you are seeking help with. Older children and teenagers may choose to meet me on their own straight away and we can decide this on the telephone before.

There will be more questions than in an ordinary counselling session and it is a chance for you to find out more about me, see the environment and the way I work, and if it will be a good fit for you and your child.

If we both feel we can work together, we will book a regular weekly session time for your child.

Depending on the age and circumstances parents sometimes attend the first of these sessions or can stay in for subsequent sessions.