Debs Blue - Person Centred Counsellor

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Hi, I’m Debs and I am primarily a person-centred therapist. I previously worked as a secondary school teacher and youth worker, before retraining to become a therapist. I work in primary and secondary schools delivering one-to-one counselling, using a range of therapeutic tools: talking therapy, therapeutic play and art, psychoeducation and developing coping strategies. I have worked for reputable, charitable organisations Step2 and Place2Be, as well as privately for other local therapy practices. In addition, I deliver full-day training sessions for ACE Training, which consists of understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma; the physiological impact of trauma on brain development and the nervous system; tools of regulation and creative, therapeutic practices. I am a neuro-affirming therapist with an in-depth understanding of neurodivergence and the impact of this on mental health, particularly during school years. I specialise in working with neurodivergent children and young people, anxiety and anxiety-based phobias (such as Emetophobia), EBSA and nervous system regulation.

When working with children, young people and adults alike, creating a safe, confidential space and building a trusting relationship is at the heart of my therapeutic practice. This is established by being genuine, warm, empathic and non-judgemental with all my clients. Building this relationship is key to ensuring that sessions are tailored to individual’s needs and interests, as we are all unique and I firmly believe that a “one size fits all” approach is neither inclusive nor effective. Regardless of age or circumstances, together we will discover and work through your (or your child’s) emotions, where these feelings stem from, and how to manage them – now and in future scenarios where similar feelings may arise.

With children and young people, I include elements of therapeutic play, such as imaginative play, art, sand trays, role play and storytelling, to help children first learn and understand feelings, including the link between body and mind. The use of creative and imaginative play helps children to access feelings they may not yet have the language for, but are experiencing in their body and behaviours. There is also a safety in creative play as the use of third person or metaphor allows children to externalise their thoughts and feelings without feeling as vulnerable or exposed, or being fearful of consequences. It is equally as effective in supporting children to access and process these emotions whilst feeling seen, heard, understood and validated. From this, we can: notice how these feelings manifest physically and connect this to emotions using language they understand; learn to recognise these feelings as they arise; explore coping strategies to manage them; and understand how to express these feelings and needs to caregivers, such as parents or teachers. Where appropriate, I use techniques from CBT and include psychoeducation in sessions to help clients understand thinking patterns and behaviours, and how to break these cycles.

Ultimately, I get to know my clients and their individual needs in order to tailor sessions using my diverse skill set so I am effectively able to support them with self-discovery and self-acceptance, enabling them to grow in confidence, to raise their self-esteem and to feel capable of navigating challenging circumstances and difficult or “big” emotions.