I am a psychodynamic child and adolescent psychotherapist with extensive experience working with children and young people. I offer a thoughtful and inclusive therapeutic space where children, adolescents, and young people can begin to explore difficult thoughts and feelings at their own pace.
Working with children and adolescents is a specialised field and my training has equipped me to be able to use skills and approaches that allow me to work with young children who may not have the emotional vocabulary to express themselves.
I welcome referrals for children, adolescents, and young adults.
Approach
My practice is based in the psychodynamic tradition, which places the therapeutic relationship at the heart of emotional change and supports young people in making sense of their inner world through a consistent, confidential, and trusting relationship. I work relationally, recognising that, alongside talking, distress can be expressed in a non-directive way through behaviour, play, or physical symptoms. Working with these relational patterns can help find the root of concerns which enables a positive and lasting change.
Alongside therapy sessions, I work closely with parents, carers, and professionals where appropriate. My approach is non-judgemental and flexible, and tailored to the developmental and emotional needs of each child or young person. I am experienced in both long-term and time-limited therapy, depending on the situation and what feels right for the individual.
Areas of Specialism
I have worked with children and young people facing a wide range of difficulties, including:
- Anxiety and low mood
- Self-esteem and identity challenges
- Trauma, loss, and bereavement
- Neurodiversity, including autism and ADHD
- Difficulties linked to care experience, family breakdown, or transitions
- School-based challenges, including school refusal and peer relationships
- Post-disaster and community trauma
I also have experience in working with young people from marginalised backgrounds, including those navigating cultural, racial, or social complexities in their lives.
Experience
I have ten years of experience working with young people aged 4–25 presenting with a range of emotional and developmental difficulties. This has been in various settings in the field of mental health, including schools, hospitals, in-patient care, prisons, and grassroots community settings. This has included working with a Grenfell community group supporting children and young people directly affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. This experience has enabled a strong grounding in trauma-informed practice and inclusive, culturally responsive care, developed through work in neurodivergence and vulnerable communities including post-disaster and SEMH groups.
Alongside my clinical work, I also have experience in educational and personal support roles. This includes personal care with disabled children and young adults to live independently, as well as being a school teacher for varying age-groups. This breadth of experience has enabled me to understand the wider systems around young people, gaining a deeper understanding of advocacy and accessibility and the importance on working collaboratively with families.
My work has also been published by the Journal of Psychodynamic Practice, reflecting my commitment to the profession and sharing insights from my practice.
Getting Started
If you are a professional, parent, carer, or young person looking for support, I can offer initial consultation sessions to discuss your concerns and whether psychodynamic therapy may be helpful for you or a child in your care. I can also provide assessments and information about the therapeutic process.
I am fully insured and adhere to professional ethical standards in my practice.
Blogs by Jonny McAuley
Working with clients in a post-disaster context
Understanding children’s anxiety around school
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