Consultation Types

Exploratory conversation (20 minutes)

An initial telephone conversation to discuss you and your child’s needs. I will advise whether I can assist and can signpost to other appropriate services if they are better placed to help you. If you would like to proceed with an initial assessment we can arrange this in my next available mutually convenient timeslot.

Initial Session (90 minutes)

Before the session

• Background information: I ask parents (and young people from the age of 13) to complete a questionnaire which gives background information helping me understand the needs and what all parties want to achieve. Where two parents are involved, I ask that both are happy with the information provided and that it is ideally sent in 7 days before a first meeting.

• Agreement: we’ll clarify expectations by signing an agreement.

• Review of information: Please send me any letters/reports you have available to better understand your child. I will review these prior to the appointment.

• Expectations: we will agree the shape of the consultation whether it’s meeting with parents alone, or with the child/young person present.

• List your concerns: In the weeks before the appointment, write down any concerns or questions that come to your mind on a piece of paper so that I can address them for you.

During the session

• The session will last for up to 90 minutes. This is an opportunity to hear more about your concerns, medical and family history and to establish some goals for you to work on.

• All sessions are offered on zoom. Prior to meeting, please ensure your internet connection is stable, that the room is private and well-lit and that everyone on the call is visible on screen rather than being off camera. 

• We will agree whether seeing your young person alone is necessary and appropriate. Please see information on safeguarding which is part of this.

After the session

• I will email some advice and suggestions.

• A full report can be produced on request. Should you wish to book ongoing sessions you can do so on either an ad-hoc basis or in batches of 6 sessions.

Review Sessions (60 minutes)

These sessions are again carried out on Zoom. They might be with a young person, with parents or a combination of both. They might address:

• A therapeutic goal e.g. anger management, managing anxiety, sleep hygiene, challenging behaviour, school refusal, panic attacks,

• Diagnostic support e.g. education and discussion of a particular diagnosis such as Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Developmental Delay, Depression, Anxiety

• A family goal e.g. reviewing a family technology plan, parenting techniques, family values and goals