Rina Patel

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly.”

— Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull

For me, this quote beautifully captures the heart of therapeutic work: looking beyond the surface and recognising the possibilities within every child.

This philosophy underpins my work as an integrative child counsellor. I seek to understand the deeper feelings and experiences behind a child's behaviours and difficulties, helping them reconnect with who they truly are.

I offer therapeutic support in private practice and school settings, drawing on a range of creative approaches to meet each child's individual needs. I aim to provide a safe, supportive space where children can explore their feelings and experiences in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

Children face many challenges, including school pressures, friendship difficulties, bereavement and family separation. These experiences can lead to emotional distress, anxiety or isolation, sometimes expressed through withdrawal, tearfulness or anger. Such behaviours deserve our attention and understanding.

I recognise that every child has an innate capacity for growth and change. Bringing warmth, sensitivity and playfulness to the therapeutic relationship, I encourage children to express themselves, build confidence and explore their inner world, including feelings and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.

My aim is to offer a therapeutic relationship in which every child feels valued, understood and supported as an individual. Through this work, I hope to help children make sense of their experiences, recognise their strengths and develop the emotional resilience and self-awareness to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and a stronger sense of self.

My practice is grounded in an understanding of child development, attachment theory, neuroscience, psychoanalytic principles and transpersonal perspectives, which recognise and honour the unique sacred essence of every child.

At heart, my approach is person-centred, with the therapeutic relationship forming the foundation of the work. I believe that feeling safe, accepted and understood is essential in enabling children to explore their inner world and make sense of their experiences.

During sessions, I incorporate a range of creative materials, including sand, arts and crafts, and games, to encourage self-expression. These activities offer children a natural and often less direct way of communicating feelings and experiences that they may not yet have the words to express.

Through this process, children can discover more about themselves, develop a sense of identity and explore how they relate to others and the world around them. This can open up opportunities for greater self-awareness, emotional understanding and personal growth.

I offer a free 30-minute consultation by phone or Zoom, giving parents and carers an opportunity to share their child’s needs and any concerns they may have. I will then carry out a brief assessment to gain a better understanding of your child’s difficulties and the factors that may be influencing them.

When you and your child feel ready, we can begin weekly, 50-minute, in-person sessions at a fee of £80 per session.