When behaviour feels confusing, let's discover what your child is really trying to tell us.
Every child communicates through their behaviour. Whether your child is anxious, overwhelmed, neurodivergent, struggling with school, or recovering from trauma, therapy can help us understand what lies beneath the surface. Together we'll create a safe space where your child can build confidence, emotional resilience and a stronger connection with themselves and those around them.
Anxiety seems to be taking over.
School mornings have become a battle.
Big emotions lead to meltdowns or shutdowns.
They struggle to make or keep friendships.
They're finding it difficult to regulate their emotions.
You're exhausted and don't know what else to try.
You don't have to figure it out alone.
Is this your child?
Hi, I'm Natilie.
For almost thirty years I've worked alongside children, young people and families navigating anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties and neurodivergence.
My work combines evidence-informed therapy with a deep understanding of the nervous system, relationships and emotional development.
I don't believe children need fixing.
I believe they need to feel understood.
“When you examine the lives of the most influential people who have ever walked among us, you discover one thread that winds through them all. They have been aligned first with their spiritual nature and only then with their physical selves.”
— Albert Einstein
Your Questions, Answered
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Children often don't have the words to explain what they're feeling. Instead of relying on conversation alone, I use play, creativity, movement, art, clay, games and sensory experiences to help children express themselves in ways that feel natural and safe.
Play is a child's first language, and through it they can communicate experiences, emotions and worries that they may not yet be able to put into words.
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Every child is different, so no two sessions look exactly the same.
A session may involve:
Creative play
Clay, art or sand play
Games
Sensory activities
Storytelling
Gentle conversation
Emotional regulation activities
Relaxation or mindfulness techniques
Rather than following a strict plan, I follow the child's lead whilst carefully introducing activities that support emotional growth, resilience and nervous system regulation.
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Yes—and that's intentional.
To adults, it may simply look like play, but therapeutic play is carefully observed and supported. Through play, children process experiences, explore relationships, build confidence, practise problem-solving and regulate emotions.
Play is the work of childhood.
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Confidentiality is an important part of building trust.
Children need to know they have a safe space where they can express themselves honestly.
I regularly update parents on themes, progress, emotional development and strategies to support their child at home, but I won't share every conversation or detail unless the child wants me to or there is a safeguarding concern.
If I believe a child or someone else is at risk of harm, I have a professional duty to act and will always discuss this with parents where appropriate.
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That's completely okay.
Many children say very little during the early sessions, and some rarely talk at all.
Therapy isn't dependent on conversation. Children communicate through behaviour, movement, creativity, sensory experiences and play. My role is to understand these forms of communication and create an environment where talking naturally develops if and when the child is ready.
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Every child is unique, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
Some children benefit from a short block of sessions focused on a specific difficulty, whilst others need longer-term support to process developmental trauma, attachment difficulties or ongoing emotional challenges.
I usually recommend beginning with six sessions before reviewing progress together.
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I work with children and young people from approximately four years old through to young adulthood.
Activities and therapeutic approaches are always adapted to suit the child's age, developmental stage, interests and individual needs.
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This depends on your child's age and emotional needs.
Some younger children benefit from having a parent present for part or all of the session, whilst others engage more confidently on their own once they feel safe.
We will decide together what is most supportive for your child.
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Parents and carers are an important part of the therapeutic process.
Children don't exist in isolation, so supporting the adults around them often helps create lasting change. Throughout therapy I'll offer regular reviews, feedback and practical strategies that can be used at home.
Often, the parent becomes one of the most powerful therapeutic resources a child has.
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Children come to therapy for many different reasons, including:
Anxiety and worries
Low self-esteem
Emotional regulation
School avoidance
Friendship difficulties
Anger
Autism and ADHD
Adoption and attachment difficulties
Trauma
Bereavement and loss
Family changes
Sensory differences
Confidence and resilience
Sometimes families don't have one clear concern—they simply know their child is struggling. That's okay too.
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I work with many autistic and ADHD children and young people.
My approach is neuro-affirming, meaning I don't try to make children appear less autistic or encourage them to mask who they are. Instead, therapy focuses on understanding their unique nervous system, recognising strengths, reducing overwhelm and helping them feel safe, understood and accepted.
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The Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening therapy designed to support regulation of the nervous system.
Using specially filtered music, SSP helps improve the brain's ability to recognise safety, making it easier for some people to regulate emotions, connect with others and respond more calmly to everyday challenges.
I offer SSP as a standalone intervention or alongside therapy where appropriate.
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You don't need to wait until things reach crisis point.
If your child seems unusually anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, angry, struggling at school or simply doesn't seem like themselves, therapy can provide a safe space to understand what may be happening beneath the surface.
Parents know their children best. If something feels different, it's always worth exploring.
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Step 1
We have a free telephone consultation.↓
Step 2
Initial session so your child can meet me and get a feel of the room.↓
Step 3
First block of weekly therapy sessions begins.↓
Step 4
Parent review after Session 4 of the block of 6.↓
Step 5
Decide together whether to continue or work towards an ending.