Updates

Supporting Children’s Mental Health During Times of Uncertainty and Conflict

If your family is living in the Middle East, recent events may have brought significant stress and uncertainty into your daily life. During times like these, children often respond in ways that can be confusing or worrying for parents. As a licensed therapist with many years of experience supporting children, young people, and their families,…

How To Support Children During the Current Unrest In The Middle East

As a licensed play therapist, experienced school counsellor and supervisor, I have been reflecting on how the current unrest in the Middle East is impacting children, even those who may seem geographically distant from it. With the rapidly unfolding conflict involving Iran and escalating tensions across the region, children are being exposed to distressing conversations,…

Strengthening Systems Around Children and Families

When we think about supporting children, it’s natural to focus on the individual child. But children don’t exist in isolation – they exist within systems: families, schools, community organisations, and the professionals who support them. Strong systems are the foundation for lasting support. Without them, even the most dedicated staff and organisations can struggle to…

Strengthening Resilience in Children and Families Living in Displacement Due to War

Daily, there are reports of children suffering as a consequence of war. News report upon news report… full of more and more stories of how children are impacted by the war. At the beginning of 2025, the UN stated that there were 473 million children living in conflict zones. That is a huge number, and…

The Challenge of Settling Back Into Routine: Supporting Children Through Transitions

Whether it is adults or children, settling back into routines can often feel challenging. During this time, it’s essential to practice kindness, not only towards others but also toward ourselves. Everyone’s experience is personal, and what might feel easy for one person could be difficult for another. Listening becomes a key part of supporting those…

Rituals And Routines Are Essential For Families

Rituals and routines are essential for families, no matter where in the world they live. But today, I am especially mindful of the children who are on the move because of war and displacement, children who have had to leave everything behind in search of safety. For these children, routines shift daily. Their parents live…

Training in Therapeutic Play

How Can We Support Children Whose Childhood Has Been Stolen? In times of crisis, whether due to war, disaster, or displacement, one question stands out: How do we support children whose childhood has been stolen from them? As the world grapples with these difficult realities, the importance of play in children’s healing cannot be overstated.…

Creating Safe Spaces for Healing: The Role of Play in Supporting Children Affected by War and Displacement

In recent news, we continue to hear about the profound impact of war and displacement on children worldwide, and I often find myself reflecting on the long-term effects these experiences will have on their lives. What will their future look like? How has their development been affected? How are their brains and nervous systems wired…

You Don’t Have to Carry It All Alone: The Power of Clinical Supervision

“What is clinical supervision?” This is something I am often asked and I hope this short blog post helps to bring some clarity.  In counselling or therapeutic work, supervision is a space where a therapist or counsellor meets regularly with a trained supervisor. Often this is monthly, and it’s more than just a professional requirement,…

School Has Started But Your Child Is Still Anxious? Here’s How You Can Support Them

The return to school after the summer break can be a jarring transition, not just for children but for parents too. While it is common to expect that children will settle in after the first few days, the reality is often more complicated. As someone who has worked in schools for many years, I have…