Doone Smith

After working at two large primary schools in Chelsea and Knightsbridge for over twenty-two years – both as a Teaching Assistant in Reception and as Head of Drama, I realised that I wanted to train in child therapy so I could improve on a child’s self-belief and confidence. This led to my training at IATE (The Institute for Arts and Therapy in Education), where I achieved certification after 3 years of study and practice. Subsequently since graduating, I have worked in both primary and secondary schools with a wide range of children and multiple presenting issues: acute anxiety, low self-esteem, attachment, self-harming, anger, loss, bereavement, separation anxiety, divorce, trauma and behavioural issues.

In my role as an integrative counsellor I offer creative play and the arts to support children and young adults in expressing their thoughts and feelings – drawing, games, sand tray, role play, creative work and talking are all facilitated as a means of communication, with the building of a safe and trusting relationship being key to positive outcomes from working together.

I look forward to welcoming children and young adults (4yrs – 21yrs) at The Recovery Centre. During the sessions each individual is given the time to explore their feelings alongside an empathic adult who is able to listen carefully and attune to what they are saying verbally and non-verbally. When young people feel heard and understood, they are better able to understand themselves and bring about positive change.