Karen Tootill

My practice is in Chelmsford Essex.   I work face to face and my availability is flexible and can be discussed or communicated via email

I offer a warm, welcoming and creative space for children and young people to explore their experiences and feelings.  I am a person-centred therapist specialising in work with children and young people, this means that the relationship is at the heart of my work and the therapy will be directed by the child and young person.  The children and young people I work with receive empathy, understanding and a safe relationship in which they can communicate their distress.  Growing up is a unique and important time in human life and can bring up many complex issues.  Seeing your child in distress is very difficult for any parent but seeking help is a positive first step in providing your child with the support that will help them better understand their experience of life and be able to communicate their needs more effectively.

Children and young people communicate differently to adults and my counselling space reflects this.  My practice offers children and young people the opportunity to play, create stories, express themself through art and music and play games if they chose to.  Children and young people use the language of play and creativity to communicate and may not have the words to express themselves in the traditional 'talking' therapy, I understand and have years of experience working with children and young people who use various media to express how they are feeling.  I have worked extensively with neurodiverse children and young people including as a senior therapist in a special educational setting.  Understanding neurodiversity means I can empathise with the neurodiverse experience and I aim to offer acceptance, empathy and understanding.  

In the first session it may be that your young person feels confident to start one to one sessions, or it may be that they will want a parent or care giver present.  The initial session is aimed at getting to know each other and providing information about confidentiality so that the child or young person feels comfortable and able to consent to attending counselling.  Depending on the age of the child or young person I will ask some questions to the client or parent about mental health history and what has brought them to counselling at this time.