Jessica’s Approach and Specialisms

Jessica is interested in the stories people carry about themselves. I'm not good enough. I'm too sensitive. I should be coping better. These beliefs can become so familiar that we stop questioning where they came from or whether they are true.

Rather than simply trying to eliminate these beliefs, Jessica explores how they developed and what purpose they may once have served. Originally trained as a child and adolescent therapist, she brings a strong understanding of emotional development and attachment to her work with adults and young people.

Her integrative approach draws on psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive behavioural perspectives, alongside EMDR therapy. She helps clients make sense of their experiences, process difficult memories and reconsider beliefs that may be limiting their lives.

Trauma and EMDR Therapy for Children and Adults

Jessica has completed specialist EMDR training for both children and adults, building on her extensive experience as a child and adolescent therapist. She has a particular interest in developmental and attachment trauma, particularly how difficult early experiences can affect emotional wellbeing and relationships later in life.

EMDR for Children and Adolescents

Children do not always have the words to explain what has happened to them or why they are struggling. Distressing experiences may instead show up as anxiety, changes in behaviour, emotional difficulties or problems at school.

Jessica combines her specialist training in child and adolescent EMDR with her understanding of child development. She incorporates play and creative techniques to help younger clients engage with therapy in ways that are appropriate to their age.

Her work includes supporting children and adolescents affected by experiences such as abuse, neglect, accidents and loss, helping them process difficult memories and the emotions associated with them.

EMDR for Adults

Jessica also works with adults whose past experiences continue to affect their lives. She has a particular interest in childhood and attachment trauma, including experiences that may have shaped someone's confidence, sense of safety or expectations of relationships.

EMDR helps clients process distressing memories that continue to trigger strong emotional responses in the present. Jessica combines this with her integrative counselling approach, exploring how those experiences have influenced the beliefs people hold about themselves.

Her work is particularly relevant to adults experiencing trauma-related difficulties, anxiety and longstanding patterns of self-criticism or low self-worth.

Attachment, Childhood Experiences and Family Relationships

Why do certain relationships bring out such strong reactions in us? Why might someone find it difficult to trust others, express their needs or feel secure even in a loving relationship?

Jessica explores these questions through her understanding of attachment and emotional development. She helps clients recognise how experiences within their families and early relationships may have influenced what they expect from others and how they respond to closeness, conflict or rejection.

Her work also includes supporting children and young people experiencing family difficulties, where understanding the emotions beneath behaviour can be particularly important.

Perfectionism, Performance Anxiety and Self-Worth

Jessica has spent many years working in independent schools, supporting young people who face considerable academic and performance pressures.

She has seen how someone can be highly capable and successful while privately struggling with self-doubt, anxiety or a constant fear of falling short. For some, achievements never feel sufficient because the expectations they place on themselves keep increasing.

Jessica is interested in what drives this pressure. She explores the connection between achievement, acceptance and self-worth, helping clients understand why making mistakes, disappointing others or being judged can feel so threatening.

Her experience is particularly relevant to people struggling with perfectionism, performance anxiety, social anxiety and persistent self-criticism.

Children, Adolescents and Parenting Support

Jessica has worked with children and young people for over a decade, establishing and running counselling services at schools including Eltham College, Colfe's School and Wimbledon High School.

She understands that children often communicate distress differently from adults. Anxiety, frustration or sadness may appear through changes in behaviour, withdrawal or difficulties at school, particularly when a child cannot easily explain what they are feeling.

Jessica uses creative and play-based approaches with younger children, while her work with adolescents addresses concerns such as friendships, academic pressure, family conflict and identity.

She also offers consultations for parents and carers, helping them look beneath challenging behaviour and better understand their child's emotional needs, while making space for their own experiences of parenting.

Neurodivergence, Identity and Self-Acceptance

For people who have spent years feeling different or misunderstood, questions about belonging and acceptance can become deeply personal.

Jessica offers neuro-affirming therapy that allows clients to explore their experiences without pressure to conform to others' expectations. She is interested in how experiences of being judged, struggling to fit in or feeling that something is wrong with them can affect confidence and identity.

Her work also supports people navigating significant life changes, particularly when familiar roles, relationships or expectations no longer seem to fit. She helps clients explore what matters to them and what a more authentic way of living might look like.