Adult and children's therapy
Expert therapy for emotional growth and family support.
About Journey2UCounselling
My Philosophy
At Journey2UCounselling, I believe in the transformative power of therapy. As the world becomes increasingly filled with AI, I believe we must protect what makes us human.
Real change does not come only from intelligence or efficiency; it comes from empathy, non-judgmental conversation, and giving space for our concerns to come into our awareness and to work with our feelings rather than to remove them. I believe in genuine human connection.
As humans, we can evolve with connection.
Technology should support humanity, not replace the relationships that help us grow.
About Journey2UCounselling
Qualifications and my experience
Qualifications and my experience
Qualifications and my experience
I have 5 years of counselling experience, supporting individuals through a wide range of emotional and personal challenges. This includes over a year of dedicated experience working therapeutically with children, helping them feel heard, understood, and supported in a safe and compassionate environment.
I currently work as a Family Wellb
I have 5 years of counselling experience, supporting individuals through a wide range of emotional and personal challenges. This includes over a year of dedicated experience working therapeutically with children, helping them feel heard, understood, and supported in a safe and compassionate environment.
I currently work as a Family Wellbeing Practitioner, a role that has enabled me to develop extensive knowledge and understanding of neurodivergence, including Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and the ways in which these differences can impact children, young people, and their families.
I am also a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), reflecting my commitment to professional standards, ethical practice, and ongoing development within the counselling profession.
Through my experience, I have developed a neurodiversity-informed, compassionate, and non-judgemental approach, recognising that every individual and family is unique. I strive to understand the person behind the behaviour and provide support that is respectful and tailored to their individual needs.
My experience working with both children and families has strengthened my passion for helping people build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing, and develop healthier ways of navigating life's challenges. 🐼
Getting started
Qualifications and my experience
Qualifications and my experience
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Before beginning therapy, I offer a free 15-minute consultation call for adults and a 25-minute call for a child assessment. This gives us an opportunity to talk together, discuss what brings you to enquire about therapy. During our conversation, I will also ensure I can meet your needs while working safely and within my professional c
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Before beginning therapy, I offer a free 15-minute consultation call for adults and a 25-minute call for a child assessment. This gives us an opportunity to talk together, discuss what brings you to enquire about therapy. During our conversation, I will also ensure I can meet your needs while working safely and within my professional competence and experience.
If we decide to work together, I will then send you a working agreement outlining the terms and conditions of therapy for you to read and sign before sessions begin.
I work within professional ethical guidelines, and details of the ethical framework I adhere to are available at the bottom of this website. 🐼
my story with REFLECTION
If you had told me several years ago that I would dedicate five years of my life to becoming a counsellor, I’m not sure I would have believed you.
Counselling training kind of snuck up on me.
I began my Level 2 course because I was curious. I wanted to explore the world of psychology and understand more about people and myself: what shapes us, why we think and behave the way we do, and what makes us who we are.
But somewhere along the way, my curiosity grew into something deeper.
I fell in love with the possibility of truly helping people discover who they are, who they want to be, and why. What started as an exploration became a five-year journey of learning, training, reflection and personal growth. The more I learned, the more I realised that counselling isn't about having all the answers. It's about being alongside someone while they begin to find their own.
My original career was centred around child development, so supporting children has always been an important part of my professional journey. My experience working with children gave me a strong interest in understanding the emotional world of children and how their early experiences can shape their development, relationships and sense of self.
After qualifying as a counsellor, I wanted to build on this existing experience. Around a year after qualifying, I began exploring child play therapy, as I was particularly interested in how children can communicate and process their experiences through play when they may not yet have the words to express what they are feeling.
This led me to further develop my knowledge and qualify in child therapy.
I value the opportunity to support children in ways that feel appropriate to their age, development, and individual needs. Play can give children a natural, meaningful way to express themselves, explore emotions and experiences, and make sense of the world around them.
Around two years after qualifying as a counsellor, I began exploring Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) through my continuing professional development (CPD) training.
I found myself really connecting with the concepts and ideas within DBT. They weren't just valuable in my work with others; DBT encourages us to lean into the here and now, rather than getting completely caught up in what helped me personally. In particular, I value the way DBT encourages us to lean into the here and now, rather than becoming completely caught up in what has happened in the past or what might happen in the future.
For me, this means learning to notice where we are in the present moment, make space for what we are experiencing, and recognise that even when we cannot change what has happened, we can begin to explore how we want to respond to what is happening now.
I believe that human connection is at the heart of change. We all need to feel seen, heard, understood and valued. Sometimes, having someone sit with us
I also believe we all carry an inner child that needs to be heard. The younger parts of ourselves can hold experiences, emotions, needs and beliefs that continue to influence how we see ourselves and our relationships today.
You don't have to arrive knowing who you are or where you're going. We can discover that together.
More about the approaches
what is DBT?
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) teaches four core skills that help create balance between emotions and logic through the “Wise Mind.” Mindfulness builds awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment without judgment, helping us to respond more calmly instead of reacting automatically. Distress Tolerance focuses on getting through painful or overwhelming situations safely and effectively, using coping strategies that reduce harm and increase resilience. Emotion Regulation helps people understand emotions, reduce emotional intensity, and build healthier habits that support emotional stability and self-control. Interpersonal Effectiveness strengthens communication skills, boundaries, self-respect, and relationship balance, helping people express needs clearly while maintaining healthy connections with others.
The relationship
The person-centred approach is recognising that experiences, thoughts, emotions, and ways of processing the world can be wonderfully varied and don't always fit neatly into conventional expectations. Rather than focusing on "fixing" or directing, I aim to create a space where curiosity, authenticity, and self-discovery can flourish at your own pace. Above all, I believe that human connection is truly at the heart of therapy. The experience of connecting with another person in a real, compassionate way can be deeply healing, offering the safety and understanding needed to explore challenges, make sense of experiences, and move towards a more fulfilling relationship with yourself and others.
How we work together
DBT, self-discovery and human connection
At the heart of my approach is the belief that human connection matters. Feeling genuinely seen, heard, accepted and valued can give us the space to understand ourselves and make meaningful changes.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills and a way of thinking that can help you navigate difficult emotions, relationships and choices. Alongside these skills, we can use the dialectic of DBT to explore different perspectives and hold space for both acceptance of where you are and the possibility of change.
Therapy becomes a space for self-discovery where we can slow things down, sit with the choices in front of you and explore what might help you feel less stuck, more connected and more valued.
Rather than telling you what you should do, I will work alongside you to explore what matters to you and what choices feel aligned with the life, relationships and achievements you want for yourself.
For me, DBT is not simply about learning a set of skills. It is about developing a deeper understanding of yourself, finding ways to connect with others, and building the confidence and skills to create a life that feels meaningful, connected and worth living.
" One day, you'll look back and realise how hard it was and just how well you did"
Charlie Mackesy
About Journey2UCounselling
Play therapy
I offer a supportive, child-centred approach to therapy that helps children explore emotions, build confidence, and develop emotional understanding in a safe and nurturing environment. Sessions are adapted to each child’s individual needs, using creative and play-based approaches to support communication, connection, and emotional regulation.
My work is neurodivergent-informed and PDA-informed, recognising and respecting each child’s unique way of experiencing the world. Therapy may include play, creative activities, storytelling, sensory-based support, and gentle emotional exploration to help children feel understood and supported.
I currently work with children aged 4–10 years old.
The purpose
Adult Therapy Support
- Relationships & Boundaries
- Self-Awareness
- Trauma
- Understanding Neurodivergence
- Parenting Support
- Emotional Regulation
- Emotional Understanding
- PDA-Informed Support
- Neurodivergent-Informed Practice
- nervous system awareness/ sensory processing
Children’s Therapy Support
- Children’s Emotions
- Learning Through Play
- Emotional Regulation
- Emotional Understanding
- PDA-Informed Support
- Neurodivergent-Informed Practice
- Nervous system awareness/sensory processing
cost
Cost
Low-cost sessions are available for adult and child play therapy.
Session fees apply if notice of cancellation is given within 24 hours.
Payments are required before sessions occur.
NO fees required upon my unavailability
Ethics
Confidentiality
I'm committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all clients in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018.
protection of Information
action:
- keep personal information secure and protected from unauthorised access or d
I'm committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all clients in accordance with the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018.
protection of Information
action:
- keep personal information secure and protected from unauthorised access or disclosure
- explain how your information is used and who may have access to it
- only share information with your consent or where there is a legal or ethical duty to do so
- use anonymised information wherever practical
- ensure that anyone receiving confidential information treats it appropriately and securely
Limits to Confidentiality
Confidentiality will be respected wherever possible. However, information may need to be shared where:
- there is a serious risk of harm to you or others
- safeguarding concerns arise
- disclosure is required by law or court order
- information is discussed in professional supervision to support safe and ethical practice
Where appropriate, we will aim to discuss any necessary disclosure with you first.
Website and Data Privacy
Information submitted through this website, including contact forms or email enquiries, will be treated confidentially and used only for the purpose of responding to your enquiry or providing services.
We take reasonable steps to store information securely and protect personal data.
Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you may request access to your personal information or ask for inaccurate information to be corrected.
For any questions about confidentiality or how your information is handled can be discussed during setting up working agreements.
Adult safeguarding
I am committed to promoting the safety, well-being, and dignity of all adults accessing my services.
I recognise that some adults may be vulnerable or at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, coercion, or self-neglect. Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and managed in line with professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities, inc
I am committed to promoting the safety, well-being, and dignity of all adults accessing my services.
I recognise that some adults may be vulnerable or at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, coercion, or self-neglect. Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and managed in line with professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities, including BACP guidance.
Commitment
Action:
- provide a safe, respectful, and non-discriminatory therapeutic environment
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns
- work within current safeguarding legislation and guidance
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries and ethical standards
- seek supervision and professional support where necessary
Confidentiality will be respected wherever possible. However, if we believe that an adult is at serious risk of harm, or that another person may be at risk, we may need to share information with appropriate
Concerns About Immediate Safety
If there is an immediate risk to life or safety, emergency services or relevant safeguarding agencies may be contacted.
Children's safeguarding
Children's safeguarding
My commitment
- I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people.
- Take any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare seriously.
- I am up to date with training in safeguarding and child protection.
- I hold an enhanced DBS check
- First aid trained
🎋 actions:
- Recognise signs of abuse or neglect.
- Respond quickly
My commitment
- I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people.
- Take any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare seriously.
- I am up to date with training in safeguarding and child protection.
- I hold an enhanced DBS check
- First aid trained
🎋 actions:
- Recognise signs of abuse or neglect.
- Respond quickly and appropriately to any concerns.
- Keep accurate, confidential records.
- Uphold my supervision and use supervision to discuss matters.
- Report concerns to the Local Authority Children’s Services if necessary.
🎋How I Work with Parents
- I work to involve parents or carers if there are concerns about a child’s safety.
- However, if informing parents may put the child at risk, I will seek advice from the appropriate safeguarding authority.
- We encourage open communication and support families in keeping children safe.
🎋 Counsellor Responsibilities
- Maintain professional boundaries.
- Listen and respond appropriately to children.
- Follow clear procedures if abuse is suspected or disclosed.
- Work in line with UK law and BACP ethical standards
- The counselling room will have its window blinds open, door access available, and the child can end their session early if needed.
- All play equipment will be safe to use and checked regularly.
- Child contract shared so child clients have clear boundaries and knowledge.
- Counselling needs to be wanted by the child, and they are happy to attend sessions. If I notice this isn’t wanted by the child, a discussion with parents and caregivers will be held to find a safe way forward for the person under 18.
🎋Confidentiality
- Counsellors keep information confidential, except where disclosure is necessary to protect a child.
- Sharing information is done only with people who need to know it to safeguard the child.
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- Local Authority Children’s Services
🎋 Reporting Concerns
action:
🐼 Listen calmly and without judgement.
🐼 Record what is observed or said.
🐼 Speak to my supervisor
🐼 Contact local authorities if needed.
In an emergency, the police should be contacted immediately (999).
About Journey2UCounselling
Thanks for browsing
Thank you for visiting my website!
I appreciate your time and interest. Whether you were exploring my services, learning more about what I do, or just browsing, I hope you found what you were looking for.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Hello
Welcome!
Please visit my site if you are looking for adult or children's therapy, located in Dover, Kent, and online.