INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY

Supporting Adolescents and Young Adults Through Change, Identity and Growth
Somatic Body Based Approaches About creative arts therapy play therapy play therapist child therapist teenage therapist creative arts therapist school support nw north west london luton dunstable central bedfordshire adolescent

WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Adolescence and young adulthood can bring significant change. Relationships become more complex, identity develops, independence grows and life can begin to feel overwhelming.

Integrative psychotherapy offers a safe, collaborative space to explore these experiences. Rather than following one fixed way of working, I draw from a range of evidence-informed approaches to meet each young person where they are.

Sessions remain creative, relational and trauma-informed, while also making space for conversation, reflection and practical strategies when they’re helpful.

WHY THE BODY MATTERS IN THERAPY?

Sessions might include:

 

  • Talking and reflective conversation
    Creative activities when words are difficult
    Psychoeducation about emotions, the brain and nervous system.
  • Understanding relationships and attachment
    Exploring identity, confidence and self-esteem.
  • Mindfulness and grounding techniques
    Somatic awareness and body-based regulation.
  • Goal setting and coping strategies.

Every session looks different because every young person is different.

WHAT DOES AN INTEGRATIVE SESSION LOOK LIKE?

Integrative psychotherapy may be helpful for young people experiencing:

 

  • Anxiety
  • Low mood
  • Emotional overwhelm
  • Self-esteem difficulties
  • Identity exploration
  • Relationship challenges
  • School, college or university stress
  • Life transitions
  • Trauma
  • Neurodivergence
  • Loss or change

WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT?

This is where you explain the transition from child therapy.

Unlike younger children, many adolescents and young adults want opportunities to talk, reflect and better understand themselves. Sessions can still include creativity, but it becomes one of many ways we explore thoughts, emotions and experiences.

Some sessions are conversation-based. Others naturally include creative activities, psychoeducation or practical strategies. Together, we’ll find an approach that feels comfortable and meaningful.

WHY IT WORKS WELL WITH PLAY & CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY?

Somatic work complements my existing toolkit.


Many young people naturally use movement, rhythm, sensory play, art, and posture to express themselves. By combining play, creativity, and body awareness, children can:


    •    Express feelings without needing words
    •    Release tension through movement and creativity
    •    Understand themselves more fully
    •    Strengthen their capacity for self-regulation
    •    Develop lasting coping skills

 

This integrated approach supports deep, compassionate healing in a way that feels safe, playful, and developmentally appropriate.

Enquire About Support

KIND WORDS

I can’t praise Ashleigh enough for her work she done with my son in helping him with the transition of settling into secondary school. Patient and very professional.

 

Ashleigh is a wonderful play therapist. Sensitive, thoughtful, insightful and very kind.
Our daughter had a tricky time compounded by change of schools and the pandemic. She loved Ashleigh and really trusted her.

Ashleigh gently got her back on track and made school seem fun again. We can’t thank her enough for helping us turn a corner with our daughter, who is now thriving. We highly recommend her.

Ashleigh’s warmth and natural connection with children was ideal for making the sessions a positive experience. She was expert, responsive and professional in all our interaction with her too. Would highly recommend.