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Many of the adults I work with don't arrive describing themselves as someone with childhood trauma. They arrive saying something more like: "I don't know why I keep pulling away from people I love." "I lose it with my kids over small things and then feel terrible." "I promised myself I'd be different from my parents - but I can hear myself saying the exact same things." "My partner says I'm emotionally unavailable. I don't know how to change that." These aren't character flaw

Clinical supervision is often described in formal terms - reflective, supportive, focused on safety and professional development. All of that is true. But in the day-to-day reality of working with children and families, supervision becomes something much more practical - and often, essential. At its core, supervision is a protected space to step out of the room and think about the work more clearly - with someone alongside you. For social workers and child or play therapists

When looking for support for yourself or your child, the letters after a practitioner’s name can feel confusing. You might see AMHSW  and wonder: what does it mean, and how is it different from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or general social worker? A social worker with accreditation as a Mental Health Social Worker (AMHSW)  is a highly skilled and experienced mental health clinician. AMHSWs take a person-in-environment approach , meaning they consider emotions, relationships

Clinical supervision isn’t just something you lean on during tough times. It’s a structured, ongoing relationship that helps therapists, counselors, social workers, and other healthcare professionals grow, reflect, and refine their practice. When approached consistently, supervision becomes a space for learning, support, and professional development—not just crisis management. Clinical supervision session between a supervisor and a supervisee Clinical supervision session betw

Anxiety and stress are prevalent among teens. They can manifest in various ways, often leading to emotional and physical challenges. Understanding these issues is essential for providing effective support. How Anxiety and Stress Affect Adolescents Adolescence is a time of rapid change. Physical growth, social pressures, and academic demands can create a heavy load. Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that can be mild or intense. Stress is the body's response to challenges o

Sleep is a vital part of growing up, yet many children and teens struggle to get the rest they need. Establishing good sleep hygiene and routines can make a world of difference in their mood, behaviour, and overall well-being. I want to share some gentle, practical tips that can help create a peaceful bedtime environment and encourage healthy sleep habits for young ones. Why Sleep Hygiene Matters for Young Minds Sleep hygiene refers to the habits and environmental factors tha

In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective ways to support children’s emotional and mental well-being is more important than ever. One approach that has gained significant attention is virtual play therapy. This innovative method combines the power of play with the convenience of technology, offering children a safe and engaging space to express themselves and heal. As someone deeply invested in child and family counselling, I want to share with you the many benefits of v

Starting school is an exciting milestone, but for many children it triggers a change in behaviour - the “after-school collapse.” Your child might seem fine all day at school, but suddenly becomes tired, irritable, clingy and emotional once at home. School is full of new experiences, rules, and expectations. Even children who appear confident and happy during the day are expending a huge amount of emotional and cognitive energy, which leaves them tired. After-school collapse

What is Play Therapy? When parents first hear about play therapy, a common reaction is something like: "That sounds nice — but how is playing going to help my child?" It's a fair question. And the answer says something important about how children actually work. Children are not small adults. They don't process difficult experiences by talking them through - at least, not primarily. What they do instead is play. Play is how children make sense of the world, work through confu

Understanding Child Therapy Child therapy is a specialized form of therapy tailored to the unique needs of children. It encompasses various techniques and approaches, including play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and family therapy. Each method aims to help children express their feelings, develop coping skills, and address behavioral issues. Why is Child Therapy Important? Emotional Expression : Children often struggle to articulate their feelings. Therapy prov