Specialising in working with young people:

Paula is able to deliver a range of innovative, fun and effective ways of working therapeutically with young people and since 2004 has worked with around 50 adolescents.

Referrals come from a variety of sources, including:

> Private child care organisations
> Dr Barnardos
> Persistent offenders program
> Parents
> Schools
> Local education Authorities

The young people present with a number of issues:

> Low self esteem
> Criminal
> Violent and aggressive behaviour
> Self-harm
> Difficulties in forming meaningful relationships
> ADHD
> Mental Health issues

In many of these instances, the adolescent's issues arise from lack of attachment to significant others in early childhood.

As an example, Jack was a 15 year old who was having difficulty managing his aggressive behaviour. He had been in the ‘Looked After' system for 5 years and in this time he spent long periods in a secure accommodation.

Paula worked with Jack for around 10 months and in this time Jack was able to express and understand some of the reasons for his aggression. He began to explore other ways of expressing his feelings and has not had an aggressive incident for 18 months since. He is now able to get his needs met in a less destructive manner and is planning a move into a more independent life style.

“In my work with Paula I have learned how to trust again. I am able to talk to staff about how I feel and what I want. My plan is to eventually move closer to home to be with my family.”
Jack, age 15