Roots and Wings

Product Information

It was fascinating to see one of the earliest kits used by psychologists in the 1930s to measure children’s intelligence at The Science Museum in London today. How far we have come (not an iPad in sight!), and yet some of this kit is strangely familiar to what we still use today! Our clinic is turning into such a calm and peaceful place to work. I can’t wait to welcome more children, young people and families here next month! 🙂 As a Clinical Psychologist, I have received training in several therapeutic approaches, which I use to inform my work. This includes specialist training in… Rarely a day goes by in my clinic where I am not asking a brave young person to do at least one thing that scares them. As human beings, we are biologically programmed to take ‘the path of least resistance’, or to do the thing that neutralizes our fears and anxiety – even if this is the same behaviour that ultimately makes us feel more fearful or stressed in the long run. An obvious example of this might be where a young person engages in repetitive or compulsive behaviours (e.g. to wash their hands or self-harm), in response to upsetting or intrusive thoughts. Overtime, their need to engage in these ‘neutralising’ behaviours is increased, as their fear is neurologically intensified. Having a calm box – Supporting a child to develop a pre-prepared box of all their favourite textures, smells, photos, games, sensory toys, etc., can be a lovely way to start to talk about emotions with a child and help them to feel a sense of self-efficacy in managing their own emotions. As time goes on, a child might start to ask for their box before becoming overly distressed.

These family scripts relate to the ability to flexibly and creatively amalgamate what we most value from our own experiences of being parented, with what we now value and learn from new relationships, education, culture, etc. We generally consider that the most resilient and healthy families adopt this form of script. When talking to young children, most people know that ‘open’ as opposed to ‘closed’ questions are helpful. That is, questions that cannot easily be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” answer and invite the child to give more information. These questions typically start with “who..?”, “where…?”, “what…?” and “how…?”. What many people don’t realise, however, is that the most frequently used open-question starter – “why…?”, can be hugely counterproductive to conversations with young children.

Just over three years ago, I decided enough was enough. I decided to set up my own company – Roots and Wings Clinical Psychology Ltd. – A company that I dreamt might enable me to offer the kind of support to children, young people and families that was truly in keeping with my own values about what constitutes good quality care and evidence-based practice. And it has not disappointed! It has been an absolute honour and privilege getting to know and supporting the families who have accessed my new practice. I feel genuinely proud of the work I do now and even sleep better at night! Two years ago this week, I finally handed in my NHS ID badges, laptops and phone, to focus solely on my new venture. Today I invite you to do the same… do one thing today that scares you… you never know how much it might benefit you or those around you! The Approach System: The system that enables us to fall in love with our children, to crave to be with them and to become completely absorbed in them. Not surprisingly, this system is associated with the release of oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’).

WINNERSouth of England Prestige Business Awards under the category of ‘Child Psychology Specialists of the Year’ With the appalling situation unfolding in the Ukraine right now, here are some resources that you might find helpful in supporting primary-aged children who may have been frightened by what they have seen on the news or on social media, or for those children who may be more directly affected by the crisis by having family links in the affected areas… Approved as provider by the newly-formed Adoption South East. Remit to offer therapeutic needs assessments, therapeutic parenting support, and specialist therapeutic interventions for children and families affected by adoption and care services, for local authorities in the south East of England. Too little (or indeed, too much) of any one of these things can throw us out of kilter. If you or your child is struggling, therefore, taking the time to draw out a simple pie chart of how much of each of these things you feel that you and/or your child is getting, might just help you to spot some simple ways that you could make some big changes.Thank you so much to all of you – both personally and professionally – who have supported Roots and Wings over the past four years. It really is so appreciated!

Delighted to add BUPA to the list of private health insurers that we hold professional recognition with

Train the Trainers: Adaptive Mentalization Based Integrative Therapy (AMBIT) – an integrated approach to engaging hard-to-reach adolescents (Anna Freud Centre, 2018)