My Approach

What I offer:

I seek to create a comfortable, safe and accepting environment where a sense of trust can be built between us. For some young people, emotions and experiences can be hard to talk about. During these times, we may use the arts, movement, bodywork or play to support self-expression so I can best understand your struggles. Together, we can create a way of working that is unique to you in order to find ways to think about, digest and make sense of your experiences.

As a therapist, I strongly believe in the healing power of relationship and the potential that all children and young people have to thrive given the opportunity and support.

I have significant experience in working with young people who have experienced complex trauma, bereavement, loss, parental separation, domestic abuse, attachment/relationship difficulties, health conditions, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. I work inclusively with differences around race, culture, religion, gender, sexual identity and neurodivergence.

In addition to individual counselling/therapy, I also offer therapeutic parenting support. Parent sessions may be required prior to the young person attending therapy, or as the sole support in finding ways to understand and help your child.

What to expect:

Free initial phone/online consultation

We can arrange a free 20 minute initial conversation (with parent/carer depending on age) to discuss your concerns. This will give me an opportunity to understand why you've sought therapy (for yourself or your child). You will be able to ask initial questions and we can decide whether we arrange further meetings.

Therapeutic introduction

If you are referring your child, I will meet with parents/carers to understand the support your child may need. We will explore the current concerns and discuss your child's development, family history and background. Depending on the young person’s age, we may be able to meet without parental involvement. During this meeting, we will discuss a counselling contract outlining the work, practicalities and confidentiality. We can decide whether you would like to meet face-to-face or online. The introduction usually includes a mutually agreed combination of 1 or 2 parent/carer meetings, followed by 3-4 child/young person sessions. The introduction process is an opportunity for you to see whether you feel that we can work well together.

Therapy plan

After the introductory 3-4 sessions, we can have a review conversation in which we discuss how you/your child is finding the therapy and if you wish to continue. We will discuss an estimated time-frame for the therapy and whether short or long-term would be the best fit based on the needs and concerns.

Reviews

We will agree on the frequency of reviews to discuss progress. Reviews are an opportunity for us to amend the therapy plan if required.

Where I work:

Online and in-person in Muswell Hill, North London N10.

About Me

Hi, I’m Elena.

I am a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist working with children, young people (up to age 25) as well as parents/carers. I have over 15 years of experience working with children and families in a range of settings. My counselling/therapy style is relational, empathic and non-judgemental. I am MA trained to use an integrative approach offering a range of therapeutic interventions based on the needs of the individual.

I work with

• Children and young people
• Families

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.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Integrative Child Psychotherapist

What I can help with

• Abuse
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Bereavement
• Bullying
• Depression
• Domestic Violence
• Family
• Gender
• Identity Problems
• Mental Health Issues
• Parents
• Post-Traumatic Stress
• Trauma