For Parents

Our philosophy and branding have been developed with young people in mind. However, we understand that young people are unlikely to have money to pay for their own therapy.

This section of the website is for the adults who will be choosing and paying for our services. This is the bit where we try and explain why you should choose cherry pie for your young person.

I have worked with young people for 25 years. I am passionate that they have access to high quality services.

I am highly skilled in 'reading' young people - what they say is not always what they mean. With patience, empathy (and a little bit of humour) I help them to explore their emotions and/or behaviours. This process can help relieve pressure, shift negative feelings and improve self-worth.

At cherry pie we are here to make sure young people feel safe, secure and supported so they can navigate their way through these difficult times.

How is this done?
Counselling
I actively listen. We might also talk, play, craft, or colour - whatever makes the young person feel comfortable, safe and able to express themselves.

Hypnotherapy
During hypnotherapy we focus on altering negative behaviours and thought patterns. Hypnotherapy works well for reducing stress and anxiety.

Relaxation
In relaxation sessions we identify sources of stress and I deliver guided activities. I also teach practical relaxation techniques that can be used outside the sessions.

Coping Strategies
An important part of our service is identifying how young people will cope after their sessions end. This is why we encourage them to talk to you - their adults.

Young people consistantly tell us that their adults 'don't get it', 'won't understand', or 'don't know what it’s like'. Partly I agree with them, being a young person today is totally different to what it was like 1, 2 or 3 decades ago. But the basics are still the same - they want to be safe, liked, loved and accepted, and they don't want to be bullied or harmed.

Young people worry about their families, friends, exams, the future, the way they look, and if anyone fancies them. Today there is also the pressure of social media and COVID-19.

Most young people in secondary schools will know someone who self-harms, is bullied, or is questioning their sexual or gender identity (are they pan-sexual or just bi-sexual, non-binary or unsure?) These things can cause worry and confusion especially if they are things they are thinking about for themselves.

At cherry pie we are here to make sure young people feel safe, secure and supported so they can navigate their way through these difficult times.

I also understand it's difficult for you as parents and caregivers to accept that your young person might not want to talk to you, but is still in need of help. It can be hard to accept that your child is talking to someone else instead of you. Communicating more effectively with their parents or other adults is a key aim for us here at cherry pie, whilst always maintaining my strict professional ethical guidelines around confidentiality.

I also offer group family sessions where I act as mediator if this is something you feel you need. In addition I work with adults who may be concerned about their children or a young person they care about.