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Therapeutic Support 
Changing Pathways

Beach Fench

Changing Pathways offers 1:1 and family support for neurodivergent young people and their parents/carers.

 

Changing Pathways offers a home visiting service for children and teenagers and online sessions for parents and carers.

 

Changing Pathways therapeutic support is provided by Sarah.

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About Sarah

 

I am a registered social worker with a BA Hons in Psychology (BPS accredited), a Diploma in Social Work, a Diploma in Counselling (level 4), and a Diploma in Youth Counselling (level 4, working towards level 5).

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I am an integrative practitioner, which means I work flexibly and combine various techniques and approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. I am particularly mindful of the importance of tailoring and adapting therapeutic approaches for neurodivergent clients.

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My approach is:

  • Trauma informed

  • Interoception informed

  • Neuro-affirming

  • LGBTQIA+ affirming

  • Home ed friendly​​​​​​​​

Social Work England registration number: SW71185

BASW Independent Member

DBS Checked

​Home visiting service for neurodivergent children and teenagers

 

It can be difficult for young people to access therapeutic support. It typically involves meeting a new person in a new environment, often with very little idea of what that meeting will involve. 

 

A home visiting service removes one of those barriers, allowing the child to access support in a setting where they feel safe and comfortable. It won’t suit everyone but it can work very well for some.

 

The following values are integral to my work:

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  • Respect for the child's neurotype. The development of positive identity is so important for mental health and wellbeing. Understanding and valuing the child’s neurotype enables me to support their understanding of themselves and also prevents me from inadvertently encouraging the child to think or behave in a more neurotypical way.

 

  • Respect for the child's autonomy. That means I won't be 'getting them to do' anything. Any ‘goals’ we work towards will be chosen by them and how we spend each session will be up to them.

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Each session is tailored to the individual child or young person. I often use play and creative approaches, so bring a selection of resources and activities with me. Children are welcome to incorporate their own toys or interests into the session or do whatever makes them feel comfortable. If they find it easier to engage whilst bouncing on a trampoline, playing on their iPad (or equivalent), cuddling their pet, or anything else, that’s fine with me. Sessions last for up to 45 minutes.​

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For more information, please view our FAQ’s and our ‘What to expect?’ guide for children and young people. You are welcome to ask any further questions either via email or via a free no-obligation phone call. Beyond this the fee is £45 per session.

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Parent support sessions

 

I offer parent support sessions alongside my work with your child.

 

I recognise that you will have invested huge amounts of time and energy into helping your child before contacting me, and that you will continue to be their main supporter (and ‘therapist’ at times) during and after my involvement. Whilst respecting your child’s confidentiality, it can be helpful to keep communication open between us. I can support you as you support them.

 

The level and nature of parental involvement will be up to you as a family to decide and it will obviously depend upon what your child is seeking support for. For example, it may be less relevant if your teenager is wanting to work through some friendship issues with me but highly relevant if your child is struggling with school anxiety.

 

Many of the issues which children seek support for should not be viewed in isolation. For example, many autistic individuals experience high levels of anxiety due to living in a society which is predominantly designed for neurotypical individuals. It would be nonsensical to try and address a child's anxiety without considering (and addressing) any environmental factors which are contributing to it. Parent support sessions provide an opportunity for us to explore this together.​

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I offer a free 15 minute parent support session following every 6 sessions with your child and am happy to communicate via email between sessions. If you would appreciate additional support it is available for a fee of £40 for a 45 minute session. 

Online support for parents/carers of neurodivergent children

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My support is around helping parents/carers with the challenges they can face caring for neurodivergent children in a society which is predominantly designed for neurotypicals. These challenges may include:

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  • Negotiating the system to secure a diagnosis and appropriate support for your child

  • Witnessing your child's distress over school (or other environments)

  • Adapting your parenting to suit your child's needs

  • Feeling isolated or judged by friends/family members who do not understand or will not accommodate your child's needs

  • Recognising that your child's pathway in life may be different from the one you had anticipated

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I offer a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space for you to use in whatever way is most helpful for you. You may value the opportunity to express and explore your thoughts and feelings as you adjust to the changing pathway your child and family are on. You may want to focus more on exploring and understanding your child’s needs. The time is yours to use as you wish.

 

All sessions are currently via video call or telephone.

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I offer a free no-obligation introductory phone call to help you decide whether you would like to work with me. Beyond this the fee is £40 per session.

Many therapeutic approaches and techniques are based on our understanding of neurotypical individuals.

So how can we best support autistic children and teens seeking help?

We explore this in our FREE guide.

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