Michelle Barter

I have have daytime sessions available and some afternoon sessions early in the week currently. 

I provide therapy for children and young people, up to the age of 25 years, using a combination of talk therapy and creative  and expressive arts. 

I have worked with young people as a therapist for five years, both in therapy room, outdoors and in schools. I like to work within the therapeutic relationship with each individual, finding out what their likes and dislikes are to tailoring each session to the needs of that young person. I aim to boost self-esteem to create more resilience to face life's up's and down's whilst challenging the young person to move forward. 

I am fully compliant with all safeguarding training for children and young people and where possible I can work with the family. I create safe spaces for young people to explore their feelings whilst working inline with confidentially clauses, I work with the young person to ensure understanding of the limitations of confidentiality.

I have worked with many young people with SEN including ASD, ADHD and development disorders and therefore understand the sensory needs of these young people. I have many sensory toys, textures and noise, I believe sensory integration is very import for mental health and general well-being.

I start the therapy journey by asking questions about health, background and family. If the young person is under the age of 12 I do this with a member of family or carer, we can then talk about confidentiality so all parties are aware of how I work. When the young person feels comfortable we may finish the session one to one to talk about what they would like from therapy and they can ask questions or play.

Weekday day time sessions are available. 

Walk and talk therapy in some beautiful spots in East Dorset, walking with mindful techniques to tune into nature. Giving you the opportunity to take a break from issues, to give you space to process and some resilience to move yourself forward.  

After some initial contact where we can talk about the issues that you are experiencing, we can agree on a meeting point where there is some outdoor green space which is important  for mental health. Walking releases feel good hormones and uses all the senses needed to start building some resilience. Breathing in fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature can have a calming affect on the brain giving you time and space to think creatively around problem solving.

The first initial contact through phone or email can be used to talk about natural outdoor risks such as slips and trips, we can  also use this time to explore the issue that you may be struggling with. Meeting for the first time will be at a designated point and time where we will then start the walk whilst finding out more about your life, loves and challenges.