Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dramatherapy and how can it help children and young people?
Dramatherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creativity, play, stories, drama, movement and imagination to help children and young people explore and communicate their feelings and experiences. It can support children experiencing anxiety, low mood, emotional or behavioural difficulties, trauma, loss, changes at home or school, and difficulties with relationships or self-esteem. You do not need to have any experience or interest in drama to benefit from Dramatherapy.
What is EMDR therapy and who can it help?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a psychological therapy that helps people process distressing or traumatic experiences that may continue to affect them in the present. EMDR can be helpful for trauma, anxiety, phobias and other experiences that feel overwhelming or difficult to move on from. I offer EMDR therapy for young people aged 12+ and adults.
How long are EMDR and Dramatherapy sessions?
EMDR: 60-minute sessions are £85, or 90-minute sessions are £120.
Dramatherapy: 50-minute sessions are £70 when held at my home therapy studio. School-based Dramatherapy sessions are £80 .
The most appropriate session length and setting will be discussed before therapy begins.
What days and hours can I have therapy?
All sessions are on Tuesdays between 9.10 and 3pm and Wednesdays between 9.10pm and 5.30pm (depending on availbility).
For EMDR only, some evenings may be available for short term work.
Do you offer child therapy in Hildenborough, Sevenoaks and Kent?
Yes. I provide individual therapy for children, young people and adults from my private therapy studio in Hildenborough, Kent. I work with families from Hildenborough, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and the surrounding areas. Where appropriate, I can also provide therapy in schools.
Do you offer therapy for adults in Kent?
Yes. I work with adults as well as children and young people. Adult therapy can provide a confidential space to explore difficult experiences, relationships, emotions, anxiety, trauma and other challenges. Depending on your needs, therapy may include EMDR or another therapeutic approaches.
What age children can have Dramatherapy?
Dramatherapy can be adapted to suit a wide range of ages and developmental stages. I work with children from around the age of 4 upwards. As every child develops differently, age alone does not determine whether therapy will be suitable. I will consider your child’s developmental age, communication and individual needs to ensure that the therapeutic approach is appropriate for them. This can be explored during an initial consultation.
Can EMDR help with childhood trauma?
EMDR can be used to help people process traumatic or distressing experiences from childhood and later life. Therapy is individually tailored, and we will discuss your experiences and whether EMDR is an appropriate approach before beginning treatment.
Can Dramatherapy help with anxiety, emotional and behavioural difficulties?
Yes. Dramatherapy can provide children and young people with a safe and creative way to understand and express difficult emotions. It may be helpful for children experiencing anxiety, anger, emotional regulation difficulties, low self-esteem, friendship or relationship difficulties, changes in family circumstances, school-related difficulties or challenging behaviour.
Where does therapy take place?
Therapy is offered from my private home therapy studio in Hildenborough, Kent, providing a calm and confidential space for therapy. School-based sessions may also be available for children and young people.
EMDR therapy can be offered online via zoom (online sessions are not available for Dramatherapy clients).
How do I know whether I need Dramatherapy or EMDR?
You do not need to decide this yourself. During an initial conversation, we can explore what has brought you to therapy, what you would like help with and which approach may be most appropriate. This might be Dramatherapy, EMDR or another integrative therapeutic approach.
Can my child have therapy without a diagnosis?
Yes. A child does not need to have a formal diagnosis to access therapy. Parents or carers can get in touch to discuss their concerns, and we can consider whether therapy is appropriate and what type of support may be most helpful.
Can therapy take place at school?
Yes. I offer school-based Dramatherapy sessions where this is appropriate and agreed with the school and family. School sessions are 50 minutes and £80 per session.
How many therapy sessions will my child or I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions because everyone's needs are different. Some people benefit from a shorter period of focused therapy, while others may need longer-term support. Progress is reviewed throughout therapy and we will work together to consider when therapy can come to an end.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Yes. Therapy provides a confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences. As with all professional therapy, there are some limits to confidentiality, particularly where there are safeguarding concerns. These boundaries will be explained clearly at the beginning of therapy.
Do I need a GP referral to access therapy?
No. You can contact me directly to discuss whether therapy may be appropriate. We can arrange an initial conversation and consider the most suitable type of support for you or your child.
Do you work with parents, schools and other professionals?
Yes. When working with children and young people, I recognise the importance of working collaboratively with parents, carers and, where appropriate, schools and other professionals. The level of communication and involvement will be discussed at the beginning of therapy and will always take account of the child's needs and confidentiality.
How can I arrange therapy in
Hildenborough or Kent?
You can get in touch through the contact form or by email. We can arrange an initial conversation to discuss what you are looking for, answer any questions and establish whether I am the right therapist to support you or your child.