Ayalah Hirst

I am an integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist. I specialise in working with children, adolescents and their parents. I use a combination of talk, play, art and sand-tray therapy. Sometimes finding words is too hard, so I introduce the right type of play to ease the therapeutic process. I find that even adults find the sand tray or singing bowl quite cathartic. My aim is to give my clients an outlet for expression; stress, overwhelm, grief and pain are heavy burdens to carry alone. It would be my honour to work with you and your children and be a container for the emotional burdens you carry. Together we will work towards self-awareness, better coping mechanisms and overall personal growth.

I will provide you with relief, understanding and, where appropriate, challenge. To do this I will be drawing on my integrative training and several years’ of experience working with children and young people in primary school, secondary school, residential homes for children in care, and the local authority. We will talk, listen and play at your pace.
I have experience supporting young people with a range of challenges, including self-harm, disordered eating, trauma, anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Empathy, being attuned to the complex individuality of each client, and right-brain engaging play are the foundation of my practise. My approach is rooted in the theories of psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, and polyvagal psychotherapy.

I hold an MA in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, and am a registered member of both the BACP and UKCP. When I am not seeing clients at TRC, I have a private practise and I am a co-tutor for Child Development module on a masters level course.
Be well, and go slowly.