Hello

You are likely to have arrived here because someone you know has recommended Honeychurch Therapy for a child or young person in your family.

I am Lorraine, welcome.

I'm a playful, compassionate therapist and specialise in counselling and psychotherapy for children and young people from the age of 4 - 25 years. My approach is integrative, which enables me to use a diverse set of skills, theories, and experience. This is important to help me to engage with the emotional, physical and practical challenges, and support needs experienced by each unique child or young person.

My offer

I offer a well resourced confidential environment, in which a child or young person may begin to feel comfortable with me.  In the first instance, it is usual for me to meet with parents or primary caregivers to carefully listen to your concerns about your child. We can explore how you hope our support might help. If we decide to proceed, your child's wellbeing will always be at the heart of the work with me.   

I have a particular interest and experience in working with neurodivergent children and young people. Many of my clients are autistic, often with ADHD, and with a range of mental health challenges. I carry out appropriate assessment with your child to help me develop my approach and ongoing support.

Individual support for children and young people

Working together

In our sessions children and young people are offered time and space to explore their thoughts, feelings and emotions. For many, this involves engaging in creative activities. 

In addition to talking therapy, I incorporate art and crafts, and play in all its forms to facilitate communication. When appropriate, I integrate cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), neuroscience and psycho-education to help children and young people make sense of their thoughts and actions. Some clients may discover and develop strategies which might support them to cope with day to day challenges.

Children and young people will choose how they wish to be in their sessions. This will depend on their age, developmental stage and the nature of their exploration. They may prefer to talk, be creative or play, and often a combination of these.  They may not know what to expect, or perhaps feel unsure at first, yet our unique journey will unfold. 

I am deeply committed to responding to individuals according to their preferences. I seek to understand children and young people through my respect for each of their starting points. My focus is on meeting them as they are.

My background

Throughout my professional journey, I have served in various capacities and settings, both locally and nationally, including: schools - Primary, Secondary,  All-through, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), colleges, university, youth services, adult learning,  community environmental education projects, and in charities (women, families, children, unaccompanied asylum seeking children) and third sector organisations.

I hold an MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy specialising in children, adolescents and families. I have conducted research on the experiences of counsellors and psychotherapists working therapeutically with autistic children.

Where I work

I have a private practice in West Leicester with convenient bus links, free parking, and a short drive from the A46 and Junction 21 (M1/M69).  I am open to work with clients at schools and organisations in the East Midlands and further afield. I offer both in-person and online services as appropriate.

My Ethics

I am committed to offering a professional service, which places children and young people at the heart of my work.  As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework  upholding these important ethics with integrity. 

Where do we go from here?

In the first instance, please contact me by email or phone so that we can have a brief, conversation about your needs. There is no charge for this. I can then send you an enquiry form to complete and return to me. If you wish to progress, I will arrange a face to face meeting with you. I will only meet your child when you are happy with the terms and wish to proceed. 

You can email me: info@honeychurchtherapy.co.uk

or text, or call: 07714 633899.

I aim to respond within 2-3 working days, if not sooner. However, there could be a short delay depending on my client work.

I look forward to hearing from you. Lorraine.

If you are a parent, or a child or young person in need of urgent mental health support, please call your Doctor, NHS 111, emergency services 999, or access support from any of these organisations:

Shout: the UK's free, confidential and 24/7 mental health text service for crisis support | Shout 85258 (giveusashout.org)

YOUNGMiNDS - https://youngminds.org.uk

kooth - https://kooth.com

THE MIX - https://www.themix.org.uk

If you feel that you want to end your life, please seek immediate help from the emergency services on 999.

You can also contact HopeLine UK on 0800 068 41 41 or Samaritans on 116 123 or text Shout 85258. If you are being abused you can contact on 0800 1111 or Samaritans on 116 123.

Further sources of support and information about self-harm/self-injury and suicidal thoughts and feelings include:

Mind:  What is self-harm? - Mind

The truth about self-harm | Mental Health Foundation

LifeSIGNS:  First aid for self-injury and self-harm – LifeSIGNS

Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)