Claire Hope

I currently have spaces on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4pm or 5pm and can offer evenings on those days too.

Hi, I'm Claire, a practicing child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapist (Â鶹ԭ´´) with over 25 years’ experience working as a music therapist (HCPC). I understand that if you’re a parent worried about your child, whatever age they are, it may be hard to work out what therapy can help. 

I hold an enhanced DBS, Level 4 Safeguarding with children and adolescents and Level 3 Safeguarding with adults. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of contexts (special needs, mainstream, primary and secondary schools; children centres; CAMHS/NHS; music therapy clinic; universities; and private practice), providing me with a high level of experience with children, adolescents, and adults. 

HOW I WORK

I offer a child-centred approach with the aim to create a safe therapeutic space for young people to work through their difficulties. According to the needs of each individual, I can offer psychodynamic psychotherapy, music therapy or a combination of both. The way a young person responds gives me insight into the conflicts and difficulties they may be experiencing

My practice is set in a bright room with a variety of toys, materials, and musical instruments available. For children age 2 – 12, psychotherapy sessions can involve talking, drawing and play. Adolescents may prefer to talk but can also access art or sensory materials.

THERAPY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Recognising the many challenges that children and adolescents face throughout their development, my work encompasses all developmental stages (infancy, primary school age children, adolescents, young adults, and adults). Specialising in neurodiversity and children who have experienced bereavement or trauma, I work in diverse community settings and welcome all young people. The lasting effects of the pandemic, in addition to other external factors, have impacted young peoples' mental health culminating in increased anxiety, stress, school avoidance and low mood.

THERAPY FOR ADULTS

I offer music therapy and/or psychotherapy sessions to adults. I have been working as a music therapist for over 25 years with people of all ages and specialise in working with musicians; students; arts therapists; neurodiversity; anxiety; bereavement; trauma and supporting parents (reflecting on family dynamics). I am also a practicing child and adolescent psychodynamic psychotherapist and integrate psychodynamic psychotherapy thinking and theory alongside aspects of music therapy.

I work flexibly according to the need of each person. This may mean that someone chooses to talk for most of the session and improvise (with musical instruments or voice) for a small part of the session, or choose to improvise more than talking, or they choose to only talk. I also offer online sessions if it's not possible to attend in person, but, if possible, would recommend to try an initial meeting in person.

A period of assessment (1-3 sessions) is recommended, during which we will explore what has brought you to therapy and to reflect on any significant events. These initial sessions are an opportunity to see whether you feel my approach suits you. If you decide you would like to continue, we can agree on a therapy plan (number of sessions etc) or decide to engage in a more open-ended approach.

 What you can expect when you get in touch:

- I offer a free 30-minute consultation to explain the type of therapies I provide and to hear your main concerns. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and find out if it’s the right fit for you/your child. If you’re looking to better understand your own or your child’s emotional needs, we can talk about how this approach can support you.

- In all aspects of my work, I consider the whole child/person (home life, school, relationships, culture etc). When working with children, this involves a parent/carer meeting before starting treatment. This will last approximately one hour and will involve discussing developmental history, particular childhood events, significant relationships, and the main current concerns.

- Once we have agreed on a session time, I recommend 1-3, 50-minute sessions as an assessment period. If possible, it is helpful to have these initial sessions in person, I do also offer online sessions depending on the need/age of the young person.

- This is then followed by a therapy plan with the agreed number of sessions between the young person and their family/main carer.

- Parent review sessions are recommended throughout a young person’s therapy, at the start of therapy and termly if possible and at the end.