Deborah Shaer, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Deborah Shaer

N1
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Deborah Shaer, UKCP Accredited Psychotherapist

Deborah Shaer

N1
Shortlist Share

My Approach

My approach is fluid and informed by the presenting issues of the child, adolescent or young adult (up to age 25); listening with presence, validation and appropriate empathy; responding to what they bring to the session.

The therapeutic resonance in the dialogue allows for a connection to what is being creatively expressed through the arts and/or play, or role-play.

Emotions and feelings reside in the body. I integrate somatics (Gestalt) as it connects to the mind and body, to provide relaxation and breathing techniques, gaining awareness of how anxiety and stress can be relieved. Connecting with and learning to identify feelings and emotions and put words to them is part of this process.

Developing a sense of Self is a core component of the work and how this impacts a child or young person’s capacity for self-awareness, resilience and social skills. I have found psycho-education and elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, if appropriate, provide important insights which they are able to apply and make positive changes in their lives that give them a sense of agency.

About Me

I am a child & adolescent psychotherapist and counsellor with over ten years experience. My background includes working in schools and the NHS as part of a CAMHS team. I also deliver parent counselling sessions as well as outdoor therapy in nature in Hampstead with children. My private practice is located in Islington, London and I also work online. I offer short and long term therapy.

I work with

  • Children and young people
  • 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 see a lot of children and young people who experience anxiety in areas such as performance anxiety, social anxiety and anxiety in general. I offer self-regulation and relaxation techniques, CBT and psycho-education to provide coping strategies, in addition to the therapeutic dialogue.
The impact on a child or adolescent who is being bullied by their peers is often traumatic. There are many aspects to what bullying is and sometimes a child does not have the social awareness of nuances which erode their sense of safety and self-esteem. The therapeutic dialogue brings to light the issues and how to deal with them. I address the trauma and use role-play, self-empowerment skills, Gestalt such as body language and psycho-education.
The most important thing I have found when I see a child or young person who is suffering from low moods and a sense of hopelessness is the therapeutic relationship. Validating their experience is crucial and exploring their inner world. Aside from the therapeutic dialogue, I may also use the arts, weaving in CBT and offering ways of bringing meaning, hope and inspiration.
The term mental health does not necessarily address a wider spectrum. I Identify patterns, thought processes, emotional triggers and behaviours, using multiple strategies tailored to the needs of the individual.
I take into account the multi-faceted areas of disturbance to facilitate the individual’s therapeutic journey. I may incorporate the use of metaphor and symbolic play, for example, and combine other facilitations such as the arts, breath and relaxation techniques. Trauma is complex and is treated uniquely on a case by case basis.

Types of Therapies Offered

  • Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
  • Integrative Child Psychotherapist

What I can help with

  • Anxiety
  • Bullying
  • Cultural Issues
  • Depression
  • Mental Health Issues
  • Parents
  • Post-Traumatic Stress
  • Relationships
  • Spirituality
  • Trauma

Types of sessions

  • Face to Face - Long Term
  • Face to Face - Short Term
  • Online Therapy

Office

2A Prebend Street
Islington
London
N1 8PT
United Kingdom (UK)

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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.
Deborah Shaer

Deborah Shaer

N1

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