Francesca Lucas

Thank you for your interest in my therapeutic services. I currently have Friday afternoon availability from 2-6pm and Saturday 8-3pm. Additional times can be added and I will update this accordingly.

Hello 鈥� I'm Francesca

I鈥檓 a 麻豆原创-accredited child and adolescent counsellor, and I鈥檝e been working with children, teenagers, and families therapeutically for over five years. My approach is warm, creative, and grounded in deep respect for each young person鈥檚 individual journey.

I support children and teens aged 3鈥�18 who may be struggling with things like anxiety, low self-esteem, friendships, loss, identity, or the impact of diagnoses such as Autism or ADHD.

I aim to create a calm and welcoming space鈥攚hether online, in a clinic, or at school鈥攚here young people feel safe, accepted, and truly heard.

I believe that when children are met with empathy, creativity, and consistency, real emotional growth and healing can happen.

A Bit About My Background

I hold a degree in Sociology and Philosophy from Oxford Brookes University and completed postgraduate training in Child Counselling at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE). I鈥檓 currently completing further specialist training in trauma therapy to support children affected by early adversity.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly a decade working one-to-one with children in educational roles鈥攆rom tutoring and learning support to mentoring children as they transitioned into secondary school. This experience means I understand the deep connection between emotional wellbeing and learning.

As a therapist, I work across different settings:

鈼� In schools, alongside SENCOs, staff, and families

鈼� In clinics, alongside SLT鈥檚 and OT鈥檚

鈼� And online, through a secure, child-friendly platform

My Approach in a Nutshell

My work is integrative鈥攚hich means I draw on a range of approaches to suit the individual needs of each child. While I use some helpful psychological tools when needed, I鈥檓 primarily a creative, relational therapist. That means sessions often include play, art, metaphor, and story鈥攅specially for younger children or those who find words tricky.

At the heart of everything I do is relationship: building trust, consistency, and safety so that a young person feels empowered to explore their thoughts and feelings.

How I Work

Therapy with me might include:

鈼� Creative exploration through art, sandtray, stories, or play

鈼� Gentle psychoeducation to help young people understand their brains and emotions 

鈼�&苍产蝉辫;Exploring identity, transitions, or diagnoses like ASD/ADHD in a positive way

鈼� Developing emotional tools to manage anxiety or low mood

鈼� Working with grief, trauma, or difficult life experiences at the child鈥檚 own pace

For older children and teens, I sometimes offer simple tools inspired by CBT鈥攍ike mapping thoughts and feelings, or grounding exercises鈥攂ut always in a flexible, creative way. My work is not 鈥渙ne size fits all鈥� but carefully shaped around each individual child.

Initial Consultation & Assessment

Before beginning sessions with your child or young person, I hold an initial consultation with parents or carers. This is a full session (usual length and fee) where we discuss your child鈥檚 needs and whether therapy feels like the right step forward.

If all parties are happy to begin, I offer a six-session assessment period. During this time, I get to know your child, explore how they engage with therapy, and begin building our relationship. At the end of this period, I will have a short catch-up with parents/carers to discuss progress and possible next steps.

Sessions & Support

Sessions last 45 minutes and can take different forms depending on your child鈥檚 needs:

One-to-one sessions 鈥� short-term or long-term support

Group-based sessions 鈥� focusing on areas such as confidence, social skills, or emotional regulation

I regularly meet with parents/carers (where appropriate) to share general themes and offer guidance, while always respecting your child鈥檚 privacy.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is central to building trust. Your child will have a safe space to talk, play, and explore feelings, worries, school, friendships, and growing up. They are free to share what they wish from sessions, but I will only share session content with their consent鈥攗nless I have safeguarding concerns.

In line with 麻豆原创 guidelines and local safeguarding policies, I will always act to protect your child鈥檚 wellbeing if there is any risk of harm.

Reviews & Parent/Carer Meetings

After the first six sessions, we will review progress together.

At the end of each school term, I hold a 30-minute catch-up with parents/carers (via phone or Zoom) to discuss general themes and provide guidance.

Additional meetings can be arranged if needed.