Amanda Hitchin

Welcome, my name is Amanda and I am a child and adolescent psychodynamic counsellor.

Sometimes our capacity to cope can get affected during times of distress. Our coping mechanisms that have always worked fail to make a difference and you find yourself or your child in crises.

After spending several years studying mental health, therapeutic practice and counselling skills at university, in addition to many years working with young people in education and the NHS, I want to re-assure you that your wellbeing and mental health will be my priority if you decided to work with me.

Psychodynamic counselling is a style of counselling that gets to the root cause as to what is interrupting the here and now. Although I am specifically trained in children's practice, I have experience and am able to work with and support adults also.

I offer a containing, safe, non-judgemental service of weekly one-to-one or small group sessions, either in person or on Zoom.

Having a child with a social, emotional or mental health need can be extremely challenging and I believe in supporting parents through this process and will meet and communicate with you at intervals whilst supporting your child.

When working with younger clients, I use a range of play, toys, sand tray, art and communication methods to understand and support. With older clients, I tend to use more communication and some art-based materials.  

I am the clinical director and owner of the award winning private practice Colchester Children's Counselling. I have a team of wonderful therapist ranging in fees from £25 p/h upto £90.  If I am unable to see you directly I am likely able to offer an alternative therapist at my practice. 

I can be found at number 60 North Hill 

I occupy multiple rooms within this stunning 1650 grade 2 listed building. Full address can be found on my website. 

My room contains many child friendly items such as a dolls house, sandtray, small world toys, cars, dinosaurs, soldiers, Lego, arts and craft materials and an unhealthy amount of house plants!

We have innovative psychotherapy sensory rooms for both younger Childrens and our new teen sensory space that is built with neurodiverse clients in mind. 

The rooms are set up in way which makes them appealing and suitable for small children, teens and adults to also use and feel comfortable whilst being supported.

I also have a calming waiting area should you require it. 

When working with young people I hold a parent meeting away from the child initially to gain a deep insight into the young persons family history and journey to date. I then arrange a clinical assessment session in which I give the young person an opportunity to see if they feel comfortable with both the practice and with me. I will gauge at this point if I feel that this will be impactful and helpful to the young person. 

After this I will either continue to support the young person or I will make recommendations for alternative and appropriate support available. 

I am a current supervision student. I work with child and adolescent therapist's and anyone in a helping profession (Including teachers, Doctors and medical staff, social workers, careers etc). I am a qualified psychodynamic therapist with an MA. 

I am currently completing my supervision training at the 'University of Salford'. 

I have a beautiful practice in Colchester City Centre and can also see supervisees online. 

Our first session would be a discovery session to explore what you are looking for from your supervision experience and relationship and to establish if we are a good match.