GHP - 2018 Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health Awards

18 GHP / 2018 Alternative Medicine & Holistic Health Awards , Working with a range of clients from young children to adolescents, Tammy draws on her vast experience in counselling to ensure that everyone she works with receives the support they need, as she highlights. “Personally, my philosophy is to support the mental health and wellbeing of children ranging from birth upwards. I work in a child-centred way, using play, storytelling, creative work and talk, to help children express their thoughts and feelings in Best Children’s Mental Health Therapist Based in London, Counselling for Children is the practice of Tammy Fioravanti a fully qualified Integrative Children’s Therapist and registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. We invited her to tell us more about her work. a way that is comfortable and natural for them. My Integrative training means that I draw on a number of theories and traditions of therapeutic work; including psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, play therapy and person-centred approaches. “Fundamentally, I believe that every child is unique and value them as individuals with their own mind, views and way of seeing the world. As an integrative therapist, I am able to work in a way that is responsive to each child and their own needs, rather than using a single approach AMH18014 for all. I always offer families a free trial session to begin with, as I think it is so important that the child feels comfortable with a therapist, before choosing to book up more sessions. I think it can be very daunting for some families booking up therapy and a free trial, with no obligation to book up more sessions, can make people feel a little more relaxed.” This innovative and child-centred approach is born out of years of study, as Tammy is keen to emphasise. “My experience with children started from an early age: I was born into a childcare family, with my parents running their own very successful children’s pre-school for nearly 20 years. From a young age, I helped in the pre-school and worked my way to assistant manager. Ever since I have worked in the childcare industry for over 15 years, I had a motivation to focus specifically on children’s wellbeing rather than spread my focus across all ages and work with adults too. This comes across in my approaches and in my practice overall, providing my clients with a child focused atmosphere. I think this makes children feel more at ease, rather than going to a therapy room that adults also use.” Looking ahead, Tammy has big plans to grow Counselling for Children and provide even more support and services, as she is proud to conclude. “With regards to the future, I am looking to expand into bigger premises in Chiswick and create an entire Wellness Centre for children, where I can complement my therapy work with other like- minded professionals to offer other specific skill sets. One-to- one counselling is just the start in terms of therapy we can offer to children, and I would like to expand my services on offer so we can offer help to all children.” Company: Counselling for Children Contact: Tammy Fioravanti Phone: 07890 868053 Website: www.counsellingforchildren.org.uk