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Dhakshini Patel, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Dhakshini Patel


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Dhakshini Patel, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Dhakshini Patel

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My Approach

My approach is relational, compassionate, and tailored to each child or young adult.

I specialise in neurodiversity, trauma, and adoption, and draw on creative, attachment-based, and sensory-informed approaches. Alongside individual work, I offer parent support and group programmes to help families strengthen connection and feel less alone.

I specialise in working in: Adoption
Early Relational Trauma, Developmental Trauma
Autism, ADHD
Anxiety
Mood Regulation
Identity Loss
Grief
Family Transitions
Attachment Disruptions

About Me

I work with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and the network around the child.

Many families come to me when a child or young adult is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, traumatised, or struggling with neurodiversity-related challenges. Parents often tell me they feel exhausted or unsure how to help their child feel calmer, more connected, or better understood. You may be looking for someone who understands your child’s inner world, can support you as a parent, and can also work directly with older teens or young adults who feel stuck, lost, or disconnected. Many of the families I meet feel isolated or unseen, and are seeking support that helps the whole family reconnect and move forward together.

If you’re feeling unsure about your family’s needs or the best next steps, you’re very welcome to contact me for a brief, free conversation to see whether working together feels right.

I work with

  • Children and young people
  • Families
  • Groups
  • Individuals
  • Private healthcare referrals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

I support children, teens and young adults with ADHD who may be struggling with attention, impulsivity, emotional overwhelm or low self-esteem. My approach helps them make sense of their inner world, build regulation skills and feel more confident in daily life. I also work closely with parents to understand how ADHD shows up at home and explore practical ways to support their child’s nervous system and strengths.
Adoption therapy offers specialist support for adopted and fostered children, young people, and their families who may be struggling with the emotional impact of early trauma, loss, or disrupted attachments. Many children carry experiences that shape how they see themselves and others — sometimes leading to anxiety, anger, mistrust, or difficulties in relationships and school. Early experiences can have a profound effect on a child’s development, relationships, and ability to self-regulate. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these experiences and supports both the child and family system to strengthen trust, communication, and connection. The aim isn’t to erase the past but to understand and integrate it — so relationships can grow with safety and warmth. I am an accredited provider of therapy through the Adoption & Special Guardian Support Fund (ASGSF). I am registered with several Local Authorities across the region, which means I can help you access funded support and work closely with your social worker to ensure the right package of care for your family.
Autistic children, teens, and young adults experience the world in rich and unique ways. My autism-affirming psychotherapy offers a space where difference is celebrated and each person’s way of seeing, feeling, and communicating is valued. The aim isn’t to change who they are, but to help them feel understood, safe, and confident in being themselves. Sessions focus on understanding sensory and emotional needs, supporting regulation, and helping families make sense of what lies beneath behaviour. Parents often find that as understanding grows, stress and conflict reduce, and everyday life becomes calmer and more connected. I also support young autistic adults as they navigate identity, independence, and the transition into education, work, and relationships. Therapy offers a reflective space to explore challenges such as anxiety, social pressure, or burnout, and to build self-awareness, self-acceptance, and resilience. Individual and Family Sessions: Therapy may include individual work, parent–child sessions, or family consultations, creating a shared understanding that strengthens connection at home and beyond.
I have extensive experience supporting families through relational and attachment-based approaches. My work includes DDP-informed parent–child sessions, helping caregivers and children rebuild trust, safety and connection. I also draw on family therapy principles to make sense of patterns within the home, and use elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help young people and parents understand the different “parts” of themselves that show up in moments of stress. This work helps families communicate more openly, reduce conflict, and strengthen relationships.
I support parents in making sense of their child’s big feelings, nervous system responses and behavioural patterns. Together we explore practical ways to strengthen co-regulation, improve communication and reduce conflict at home. Parents often tell me the sessions help them feel more grounded, resourced and able to support their child’s emotional development.

Types of Therapies Offered

  • Integrative Child Psychotherapist

Types of sessions

  • Face to Face - Long Term
  • Face to Face - Short Term
  • Home Visits
  • Online Therapy
  • Telephone Therapy

UKCP College

  • College for Child and Adolescent Psychotherapies (CCAP)

Working with Children

For more information about therapy for children and young people, visit our info page.
Dhakshini Patel

Dhakshini Patel

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UK Council for Psychotherapy
York House, 221 Pentonville Road,
London N1 9UZ

020 7014 9955

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