Marlys Davis

I am available Monday and Wednesday until 6, Tuesday and

Thursday until 7. 

I am a qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist with 12 years experience working in schools, the voluntary sector and CAMHS. I am specifically trained to work with children, adolescents and young adults. I offer a professional, confidential and friendly therapeutic space to explore what is troubling them. Sessions are face-to-face in a warm and safe environment where they can bring any subject they wish to discuss without fear of judgment and at their own pace.

Children and young people often find it more difficult to talk about their feelings or might not even know what they are feeling. Some children will act out these feelings, which can lead to some behaviours that are difficult to understand. Others might withdraw when faced with difficult feelings and become quiet and isolated. Adolescence can be a difficult time, full of anxiety, uncertainty and changes. Together, we will try to understand their feelings and what might be troubling them. Having an understanding of their feelings and knowing that having these feelings, good or bad, is ok and can be managed will help them feel more in control of their emotions and behaviours.

Young children often find it easier to express themselves through play so I use a variety of creative ways to engage the child, art, toys, games, role play, stories, whatever the child feels comfortable with and at their pace.

Children under 12 The first session will normally be just with the parent(s), to go through the child's history and their presenting issues to see how I can help. If you are happy to proceed, in the second session we will spend the first 20 minutes all together so your child can get to know me a little bit. The rest of the time will be spent with your child on their own. If your child needs more time with all of us, to get used to me that is ok, I will take things at your child's pace. From then on I will see your child on their own for 50 minute once weekly sessions.

Young people under 18 The first session for older children under 18 will be a joint session, to go through their history and I will spend the last 20 minutes or so with the child on their own. If you and your child are happy to proceed, the next session will be with me on their own.

Young Adults In the first session we will going through some history and the presenting problem. I will take it at your pace, it is also an opportunity to get to know each other a little bit to see if you feel comfortable with me and want to continue.