How I Work:

A Compassionate, Practical Approach

I treat self-harm as a communication of distress. My approach is tailored to where you (or your child) are right now:

• For Adults: We work to unpick the roots of these behaviors, exploring the triggers and the "function" the harm serves, while building more sustainable ways to regulate your emotions.

• For Young People: I provide a "pressure-free" zone where we can talk about the things that feel impossible to say elsewhere, focusing on self-compassion and resilience.

• For Parents: I offer a bridge of understanding. I help you navigate the fear and provide guidance on how to support your child without inadvertently increasing the tension or shame.

Safety, Trust, and Confidentiality

Trust is the foundation of the work we do. Because of this, our sessions are confidential.

• For Adults: What we discuss stays between us, unless there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

• For Young People & Parents: I maintain the young person’s privacy so they feel safe to be honest. However, I am a safeguarding-led practitioner. If I believe a young person is at significant risk, I will involve the necessary people and services to ensure their safety. We will discuss these boundaries clearly in our first meeting so everyone knows where they stand.

Focus on Harm Reduction

Recovery isn't always a straight line. My focus is on Harm Reduction—this means we don't just "demand" that the behavior stops. Instead, we:

1. Acknowledge the need for relief.

2. Create a Safety Plan for high-risk moments.

3. Slowly introduce new coping strategies to replace the old ones.

4. Work toward a life where self-harm is no longer the only option.