Our multi disciplinary team of qualified therapists are highly skilled.
Our team is headed up by our clinical lead Fiona, yet we have an extensive team of psychodynamically qualified therapists. All our therapists are either qualified or actively working towards a masters level in BACP accredited qualifications for child and adolescent counselling as well as being members of the BACP.
All staff are DBS checked, insured and subject to strict clinical supervision as well as being in their own personal therapy.
Our philosophy at Teenage Mental Health is that the patient always comes first and is the center of any work.
Our team
Fiona
Fiona heads up the team at Teenage Mental Health and holds an honours science degree in psychology and has post-graduate qualifications in teaching, counselling and psychodynamic approaches. Her Master's degree is in child and adolescent psychodynamic counselling and having completed several years in public practice in various schools in the Suffolk and Essex area now runs the private counselling practice working with children adolescents and adults.
She is also a licensed trainer in mental health and works with organisations to build and deliver bespoke training packages to meet the needs of staff working with challenging behaviour and have a greater understanding of mental health issues, alongside her clinical work. As a member of the BACP, she believes that the patient always comes first and is the centre of any work.
Zoe H
Zoe has been counselling since 2010 with adults initially with Ipswich Counselling Centre, Mentis Counselling centre and 2 years at The Northgate Psychotherapy department.
She currently works as a high school counsellor based in a Norfolk school and has been doing so since 2017. Zoe has also worked in primary schools since 2013, working with children for therapeutic intervention. After training in London with Place2be and a play therapy course she branched out on my work with children and adolescents.
With 2 years of experience at the primary school, Zoe also worked as a volunteer counsellor working for Place2be on a voluntary basis. She also undertook voluntary counselling work at a drug and alcohol rehab centre for one year as well as a volunteer counsellor for adults who had experienced childhood sexual abuse/trauma for one year.
Zoe holds a diploma in psychodynamic counselling for adults as well as a Master of Arts in Psychodynamic counselling for children.
Denise
Denise has worked psychodynamically as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist with couples and individuals for over 30 years. She trained with Relate in Kent and also worked in a crisis drop-in centre in Chatham. She set up her own successful practice in Central London in 1993 which she currently runs part-time online with clients all over the world. Having owned and worked in businesses and in the not for profit sector for many years she has a wide experience of life and problems around relationship difficulties, coaching, grief, depression, self-esteem, and many other issues.
She trained and volunteered as a senior counsellor with ChildLine in London and is studying CBT. She was a Governor for 12 years of Coram Family, the biggest adoption service in the UK where she took an interest in the Contact Centre for Parents and young children.
Denise had a Pet as Therapy dog and worked with him in hospices and adolescent centres and she has written a book about pets and grief which is on Amazon.
Sarah
Sarah is a psychodynamic counsellor who’s worked for over five years in both private and school settings. She’s worked extensively with adolescent clients experiencing mental health difficulties such as poor attachment, self-harm, depression suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, anxiety and eating disorders.
Sarah graduated from the University of Essex with Masters degrees in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychology, and previously earned a BA in Drama from St. Mary’s in Twickenham. Her psychology MA focused on social psychology, positive psychology, neuroscience, and theories of child development.
Anna
Anna has been working in child and adolescent mental health services for over 20 years. Having worked as a Residential Care Worker, a Behaviour Support Worker, a 1-on-1 Classroom Assistant and a Therapeutic Liasion Officer at a residential boarding school.
Anna graduated from Essex University with a Bachelors of Arts in Therapeutic Communications and Therapeutic Organisations. She then went on to achieve a Master's degree in Psychodynamic Counselling in 2015.
Anna has a wealth of experience thanks to her work as a Community Project Lead and Family Support Practitioner at various Ipswich children's centre. She then went on to work with 4YP, a local charity focusing around helping teenagers with mental health issues.
Anna has a lot of experience of working with anxiety, depression, attachment disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, social anxiety, trauma and abuse as well as being qualified for family therapy.
Ellie
Ellie graduated with distinction from the University of Essex having gained a Master of Arts degree in Psychodynamic Counselling.
Ellie’s background is in education and she has worked for a number of years as a teacher in secondary schools and further/higher establishments, supporting both the learning and emotional needs of children.
She also worked in HR for 10 years in the public sector and was a practitioner of Trauma Risk Management (TRiM); a trauma-focused peer support system used in the emergency services to help those who have experienced traumatic events.
Jonathan
Jonathan holds a degree in Counselling and Therapeutic Practice and works using a variety of approaches in order to tailor therapy to each person’s individual needs. He is registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and believes in the importance of professional development including pursuing a Masters in Psychodynamic Counselling. He has provided counselling and psychotherapy for the The Mix, Woman’s Aid, and Bridge Christian Counselling Centre.
His areas of expertise involve those who are experiencing shame, relationship difficulties, and religious abuse. He also has experience in working with young people and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, OCD, and Asperger’s. He enjoys writing, art, games, and playing music.
Rebecca
Rebecca holds a diploma in integrative counselling from Life-Force in Colchester. She currently works with adults in her private practice, as well as with a charitable organisation that provides counselling to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Rebecca previously worked for social services where she provided intervention and support for vulnerable adults and children in crisis. Her time working in this role helped develop her understanding of the challenges that people face in their early life, and how this causes many complex repercussions later on.
Rebecca has experience supporting people with a range of difficulties; from loss and bereavement, anxiety, low mood and depression, to problems with emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, sexuality, and trauma.
Rebecca’s special interests are trauma and abuse and the impact of reproductive trauma on individuals struggling with their fertility.
Phoebe
Phoebe holds a BA degree in Therapeutic Communications and Therapeutic Organisations from the University of Essex where she is currently working towards her MA in Psychodynamic Counselling.
Phoebe has 10 years of experience working therapeutically as a mental health support worker, providing intensive 1:1 support for young people reintegrating into the community when leaving hospitals from section and managing challenging behaviours.
She also works as a 1:1 learning support assistant in a secondary school, supporting young people with mental, physical and learning difficulties. Phoebe has a wealth of experience working with learning difficulties, ASD and a vast range of physical disabilities.
Anita
Anita is currently a student at University of Essex, doing a master’s degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and is registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Law with Psychology from Nottingham Trent University.
Anita’s experience includes working with the NHS Crisis pathway, a private inpatient and outpatient mental health hospital as well as a Life Coaching Firm in Nigeria.
Laura
Laura has graduated from the University of Essex with a BA in Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations and is currently studying for her MA in Psychodynamic Counselling with Children.
Laura has 12 years experience of working as a T.A. in a primary school, gaining numerous qualifications and currently offers 1:1 therapeutic sessions to children in the school. During her time in the school she worked extensively with young children who have been fostered and adopted, dealt with parental suicide and others with low self esteem, behavioural issues and anxiety.
Laura has lived in various countries, has loads of life experience and enjoys working with young children. She is an Advanced Drawing and Talking Practitioner which she offers privately and to schools, as well as sand-play and therapeutic art sessions.
Philippa
Philippa is an Integrative Counsellor, working from a creative and compassionate, trauma-informed perspective. She has over 10 years experience working with children and adolescents, in various settings, including schools and charity outreach organisations.
Due to her Masters in Early Childhood Studies, from Roehampton University and her Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Children in Schools, from Place2Be, she has an in-depth knowledge of child/adolescent development, attachment and play.
She has experience working with an array of mental health difficulties including; developmental trauma, sexual violence, domestic violence, self-harm, suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts, regulating relational dynamics, neurodivergence, and various mental health conditions including anxiety, bipolar, OCD and eating disorders.
Ultimately, Philippa will be present to listen and hold the therapeutic space for the child or young person, to empower their reflective process and help them develop a deeper understanding of their sense of self, utilising verbal and non-verbal methods of communication, creativity and/or play
Rebecca
Rebecca has a training in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and has an MA and MPsych from the Tavistock Centre and University of East London. Originally she studied Psychology, and more recently studied Fine Art at the University of the Arts London. She has worked for over 25 years with children and young people of all ages in both inner city settings and privately.
She has worked with young people in schools and colleges, as a Student Counsellor and Mentor. She has a particular interest in supporting parents and carers , alongside her extensive experience of working with young people and children. She was previously part of a service designed support the needs of young refugees , and has worked with staff in Pupil Referral Units in London , as well as supporting young people with anxiety, depression, or isolation.
Her approach is essentially a psychodynamic one, encouraging an exploration of how we relate to other people and how this might effect our well- being. The work aims to bring a greater understanding of oneself and with it a greater confidence and ease . A stronger sense of ourselves.
Martin
Originally qualifying with a B.A. degree in Graphic Design, Martin retrained in 2011 to work as a psychodynamic counsellor with adults, adolescents and children. His background in art and design helps inform some aspects of his counselling work e.g. dream interpretation that often touches on symbolism/representation.
After successfully completing both a certificate and diploma in psychodynamic counselling at Chelmsford Counselling Foundation, Martin embarked on successive courses at the University of Essex where he completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Approaches, an M.A. in Psychoanalytic Studies and an M.A. in Psychodynamic Counselling with children/adolescents.
Since graduating Martin has worked in both primary and secondary school settings with pupils and staff members as well as volunteering for Open Road as a counsellor supporting adults in recovery from substance abuse. In the past he worked for the charity 1NE in London/Essex schools supporting children impacted by substance abuse and addiction. He was also an Essex County Council foster carer for over 10 years.
Martin’s therapeutic approach is a combination of psychodynamic modality enhanced by play and art therapy. His work has often focused on children impacted by substance abuse/addiction and the trauma/dissociation and psychological turmoil associated with this. Working with attachment disorder and self-esteem issues form a significant part of this and other aspects of his work.
Sarah
Sarah recently completed her training as a Psychodynamic Counsellor at Essex University.
Sarah has a wealth of experience working at a special needs school, as Head of Well Being for the last 12 years. She will continue in this role on a part time basis.
Over the years Sarah has worked with children between the ages of 7 to 16 and also young adults aged between 16 and 20 at the College site.
Sarah’s areas of expertise include Autism, ADHD, trauma , self harm, loss and anger. She has worked closely with child mental health professionals delivering small group work to other schools, this centred around anxiety and resilience.
Jim
Jim is a Play Therapist with the British Association of Play Therapists and has been working with children as young as 3, up until secondary school age since 2016.
Jim has worked with school, charities and County Councils, working with children with various presentations and experiences.
Jim has a background supporting children one-to-one in schools, and holds an MSc in Play Therapy from the University of South Wales.
Dylan
Before joining the Teenage Mental Health Team had been working within HR and Business Compliance Management roles bringing these skills to support the organisation.
Dylan is also a Registered Foster Carer with Suffolk Foster and Adoption services. Currently he is a student at Essex University doing an undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Communications and Therapeutic Organisations and conducts patient assessments at Teenage Mental Health .
As the Director of Client Services, Dylan is keen to spread the word and build TMH services and reputation with others to support and connect services and users and attends networking and community events or groups.
Charlie
Chief Administrator: Charlie left the University Centre Colchester with a degree in Music Performance, with this background in music he has worked as a therapeutic music educator as well as a touring musician.
Charlie has been with Teenage Mental Health since September 2019 and is one of the friendliest receptionists you’ll come across. His positivity shines through his work, whether he’s greeting and booking you in, organising files or hoovering the floor, he is the top lad for the job.
Kath
Kath has been working and volunteering with Teenage Mental Health since its early beginnings. Kath's background is in education support and therapeutic fostering for many years with a wealth of therapeutic knowledge and understanding.
Kath is currently training at the university of Essex furthering the knowledge with a degree in Psychodynamics. Kath is often the reassuring voice you will hear with initial telephone enquiries for services.
Contact us
For Mental Health Support in Ipswich & the surrounding areas please contact us using the details below or alternatively fill out the form and we'll ring you back to arrange an appointment.
Call: 01473 411324
Email:
reception@teenagementalhealth.co.uk
Postal Address:
31 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AQ
BACP Organisational Membership Number: 00276237