Helen Critchley

I offer face-to-face therapy from a private therapy room at Southwell Physio Clinic in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. There is free parking nearby, a quiet waiting area for parents and carers, and the clinic is accessible by public transport.

Face-to-face appointments are currently available on Friday’s. Online sessions are offered more flexibly.

Please note that I generally work during the first half of school holidays and do not offer appointments during the second half. For example, where a school half term lasts two weeks, appointments are offered during the first week only.

I understand that deciding to seek therapy for your child can feel like a big step. You may know that something isn’t quite right but be unsure what support would be most helpful.

My aim is to offer a warm, accepting and non-judgemental space where children feel listened to, understood and able to explore at their own pace.

I have experience supporting difficulties including anxiety and depression, emotional regulation, trauma and adverse experiences, bereavement, OCD, self-harm, anger, eating difficulties, suicidal thoughts, school-related difficulties, bullying and family or relationship difficulties. I also support emotional difficulties associated with neurodevelopmental differences.

I look beyond the presenting difficulty to understand the wider picture around each young person, including their development, relationships, experiences and environment. This helps me offer therapy that is individual to them, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

I support children, teenagers and young people aged 5–18 with their mental health and psychological wellbeing, offering child psychotherapy, play therapy and counselling, alongside parent guidance and professional consultation.

I have over 15 years’ experience supporting children and families across education, community services, the NHS and private practice. Since 2021, I have worked within NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), including community and crisis services, supporting a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including complex presentations.

I hold postgraduate qualifications in Counselling Children & Young People and Play Therapy, alongside specialist training and clinical experience in therapeutic work with children and adolescents. I am a Registered Member MBACP (Accred), a Registered Member of PTUK and hold a full enhanced DBS.

My approach is integrative and individually tailored. I do not believe one type of therapy is right for every person. I draw on a range of therapeutic theories and approaches, offering talking and reflective therapy, practical skills-based work and creative approaches. My practice is also informed by Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) principles and trauma-informed practice.

My specialist Play Therapy training allows me to use play, art, sand tray, storytelling and other creative approaches alongside talking therapy and skills-based work. Play and creative therapy is not only for younger children. Children and teenagers may have plenty of language but still find it difficult to communicate or process experiences through talking alone. I adapt how we work around each young person's age, development, communication style, interests and needs.

Play and Creative Therapy

Using play, art, storytelling, sand tray and creative approaches to help children and young people communicate, explore and process experiences.

Integrative Psychotherapy

Drawing on different therapeutic approaches to explore emotional and psychological difficulties, past experiences and current challenges.

Counselling

A supportive space to talk, reflect and develop practical ways of managing difficulties, with creative approaches where helpful.

Parent Formulation and Guidance

Helping parents and carers understand emotional and behavioural needs and explore practical ways to support their child.

Professional Consultation

Therapeutically informed consultation, formulation and practical guidance for schools and professionals supporting children and young people.

I can also work collaboratively with parents alongside therapy and, where helpful, with schools and other professionals involved in a young person's care.

Finding the right path forward can feel overwhelming. I am here to help you identify exactly what therapeutic support will be most useful for you, your child, or your family.

Free Initial Call: I offer a free, 20-minute phone consultation to explore your situation and determine if my services align with your child's needs.

Initial Assessment Session: Following our call, I always host an initial parent, child, or family assessment. This is a dedicated space to explore your goals, struggles, and wishes for change.

Flexible Pathways: This assessment can be a one-off session to gain professional clarity and signpost you to other specialist services, or it can mark the beginning of a collaborative piece of therapy work.

Reviewing Progress: If we decide to move forward with therapy, we will agree on the best approach, starting dates, and an initial number of sessions. We will regularly review our progress together, ensuring everyone is happy with the arrangement as we either extend our sessions or work gently towards an ending.