Hello, and welcome to my website. I'm Maddy, and I'm here to provide you with the information and support you need.
I am a counsellor based in Cambridge, UK, offering services to children, young adults, and their parents. You can visit me in person at my private practice in Girton or connect with me online via Zoom.
I hold a Diploma and a Master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the University of Cambridge. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I'm actively working towards full accreditation. With over six years of experience working with various organisations and managing my private practice since October 2016, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my clients.
I believe that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to counselling. As an Integrative practitioner, I have the flexibility to tailor my approach to best meet your needs. My practice draws from a range of therapeutic models, including Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Adlerian, Person-Centred, and Humanistic theories, as well as BrainWorking Recursive Therapy® (BWRT®).
My approach is not limited to these methods; I maintain a flexible and open attitude towards learning and incorporate new techniques as appropriate.
To help my clients reach their full potential, I incorporate play, the arts, and traditional talk therapy into our sessions. My experience includes a particular focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and ADHD, gained from my time working at a specialist school. I am equipped to work within both short-term and long-term frameworks and have a comprehensive understanding of the education system, including the application process for an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP).
If you think I can be of help to you or your child, please don't hesitate to reach out. All calls, messages, and emails are confidential, and I will always listen with attentiveness and without judgment. Please leave your name and contact number, and I will aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.
Being a parent or carer is tough! There is no manual to guide us or magic formula to make things "right." Children and young people are growing up in challenging and ever-changing times, and as parents or carers, it's our job to guide them, even when we feel unprepared for the task.
In my practice, I offer a non-judgmental, safe, and empathetic environment where we can discuss and explore what might be going on for your young person. Together, we can think of ways to support them effectively. This service can be provided as a one-off, on an ad-hoc basis, or through regular weekly sessions, similar to counselling.
Many factors can influence a child's behaviour, often rooted in how we, as their parents or carers, were raised. Exploring these concepts can provide valuable insights and help you move forward in a way that aligns with your parenting values.
Some issues parents and carers have shared with me include:
This list is not exhaustive. Whatever challenges you face, I am here to listen and support you. If you require specialized services, I will do my best to connect you with the appropriate professionals.
Finding the right therapist for your child is crucial; they need someone they can relate to and feel safe with. It can be daunting for a young person to enter the therapy room, but many find the experience enjoyable. I provide a variety of engaging toys and art materials tailored to the therapy needs of each child or young person, helping to ease them into the process.
The first few sessions focus on getting to know each other and building a therapeutic relationship. We typically start with an initial period of six weeks, after which I review progress with the parents. This check-in allows us to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the therapy process. If, at this point, it seems I am not the right fit for your child, I will fully support you in finding a more suitable therapist, always with an open mind and a focus on your child's best interests.
Each session lasts 45 minutes and is held weekly at the same time and place, as consistency is key to effective therapy. If I need to cancel a session, I will do my best to reschedule it within the same week at a time that works for both of us.
For more detailed information or to discuss your child's needs further, please feel free to schedule a parent consultation.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) involves the inclusion of animals in therapeutic sessions to support emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. In child and adolescent counselling, AAT leverages the calming presence and non-judgmental nature of animals to create a safe and supportive environment.
This approach can help reduce anxiety, enhance emotional expression, and build trust with the therapist. Interacting with animals can encourage children and adolescents to open up about their feelings, develop empathy, and improve their self-esteem.
AAT also provides a hands-on, engaging way to work through therapeutic goals, making the process more approachable and less intimidating for young clients.
There are many reasons why people come to counselling. Here is a list of some of the worries and concerns you may have that I can support you with.
Abuse
ADD/ADHD
Anger
Anxiety
Attachment Disorder
ASD/ASC
Behaviour problems
Bereavement
Bullying
Child related issues
Cultural Issues
Childhood bullying
Depression
Depression and anxiety in children
Disability
Eating Disorders
Family issues
Feeling sad
Generalised anxiety disorder
Health related issues
Identity issues
Loss
Loneliness
Low self-confidence
Low self-esteem
Obsessions
OCD
Personal development
Post traumatic Stress
Relationship problems,
Self-esteem
Self Harm
Sexual Identity
Sexuality
Stress
Trauma
Please note that I charge the session fee for a missed appointment where less than 48 hours cancellation notice has been given.
I only work during term time.
You can find me at my private practice, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Cambridge city centre.
William Collyn Community Centre
Wellbrook Way, Girton, Cambridge - CB3 0GP
I work out of the Scrine Meeting Room. The building is fully accessible, with disabled access throughout, free on-site parking, and a comfortable waiting area.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on +44 (0)7802 657722 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
Contact me to find out more about how online therapy works.