Lia’s Contact Details
07908 237 533
lia@liayounes.com
I am a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and I support children aged 3-17 years on a 1:1 basis. In our sessions, we can use play and a range of art materials, which can help to explore thoughts and feelings without always having to use words. Or sometimes a child or young person prefers just to talk. I also offer support and consultancy to parents. How and who I work with will be considered in our initial consultation.
I enjoy listening to children’s stories. I facilitate a therapeutic relationship with children and adolescents to share their narratives with genuine care, gentle curiosity and appropriate confidentiality. I always aim to help young people and their families live emotionally healthy lives so that they are able to thrive and flourish together and to reach their full potential.
Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy with Lia Younes
Many of us will experience emotional challenges throughout our lives. Sometimes, these difficulties can leave us feeling overwhelmed and we can find it difficult to express or even understand what is going on inside us. For children, this can be particularly hard. The first signs of a child’s distress are often communicated through a change in their behaviour or trouble learning in school. You might even notice it impacting their physical health or their relationships. Psychotherapy can offer your child a safe, confidential space to explore their emotions and to make sense of their stories. Often, overwhelming feelings can then change into something more comfortable to live with.
My approach is child-led, meaning that I will meet your child ‘where they are’ and explore whatever they choose to bring to our sessions. I have worked with children and young people for over 20 years and I am invariably amazed by their ability to find creative ways to communicate their deepest thoughts and feelings.
I come from a mixed cultural background and I have lived in several parts of the world throughout my life. I have found that these unique experiences allow me to be particularly sensitive to the experience of moving around between cultures, especially during childhood. I am flexible in my approach and I aim to honour and respect every child’s individuality.
I am able to provide my services in both English and in French.
Areas I work with:
Below are some examples of areas that I work with, however they are by no means limited to these lists.
Supporting children and young people:
- Anxiety and worries
- Attention difficulties (ADD/ADHD)
- Behavioural challenges
- Bereavement, grief and loss
- Difficult life situations
- Friendships
- Gender identity and/or sexual orientation
- Illness and/or disability
- Low mood and depression
- Peer and family relationships
- Self-esteem or self-confidence
- Separation Anxiety
- Sleep difficulties
Supporting parents:
- Behavioural difficulties
- Bereavement, grief and loss
- Child development and the importance of identifying and naming feelings
- Fears and anxiety
- Home routines
- Parent-child relationships
- Preparing for the arrival of a new sibling
- Preparing for significant life changes
- Separation & Divorce
- Sibling relationship challenges
Training & Qualifications / Experience:
I hold an MA in Integrative Child Psychotherapy obtained at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE). This means that I use a range of different methods and models of working to tailor a bespoke therapy service to meet your child’s specific needs. All of these ideas are underpinned by my training in Attachment theory, my knowledge of the latest neurobiological research and my background in the arts.
In addition, I gained an advanced diploma in the Therapeutic Application of the Arts and a BA in Psychology. I am also trained in EFT (also known as ‘tapping’) and as a B.A.S.E. Babywatching Group Leader.
Previously, I worked with children with special needs in upstate New York, as an outdoor and adventure-based educator for many years. I later moved back to London and carried my career from the outdoors into the classroom as an Early Years teacher. More recently, I managed counselling services in a number of schools in West London.
Today, alongside my psychotherapy practice, I enjoy working as a trainer and therapeutic consultant in a variety of contexts, such as in educational settings and in the workplace. A considerable amount of my work is also now focused on supporting family lawyers working with families going through conflict and separation. In addition, I continue to proudly serve as a member of the Advisory Board to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
I am a professional member of the BACP and adhere to their Codes of Ethics.
I have an up-to-date enhanced DBS certificate. This means that I am able to work with children. I have also completed the UKCP Covid-19 Online Working Guidance.
Contact:
Please get in touch if you have any queries or if you would like to schedule a short exploratory call. This initial consultation will be an opportunity to talk about your reasons for seeking support and also to ask any questions. We can then decide together whether to move forward and arrange further appointments.
07908 237 533
lia@liayounes.com
www.liayounes.com
Rates:
1:1 sessions with children and young people are 50 minutes and charged at £130. Parent consultations are typically 1hr or more. I am also recognised by Aviva, AXA and Vitality health insurance.