Michelle Barter

Currently not available during school hours and following the government guidelines I am able to offer socially distant and safe face to face. I am also able to provide online support with video calls (Zoom based) or telephone counselling. 

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 asses each client 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.