Family court proceedings can be an incredibly difficult and unsettling time for children and families. Separation, changes to family arrangements, disputes about contact or where a child lives, and ongoing family conflict can all affect a child's emotional wellbeing.
At The Healing Space, I provide therapeutic support for children and young people affected by family court proceedings. Based in Lymm, Cheshire, I offer a safe, neutral and child-focused space where children can explore their feelings and experiences at a pace that feels manageable.
My role is therapeutic rather than legal or evaluative. I support children to make sense of what they are experiencing and develop ways of managing anxiety, distress, uncertainty and difficult emotions.
I consider solicitor-instructed referrals where appropriate, with the scope of the therapeutic work and any communication arrangements clearly established at the outset.
Children involved in family court proceedings may experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel anxious, confused, angry, sad, caught between adults, worried about what will happen next, or unsure how to express what they feel.
Some children talk openly about their experiences, while others show their distress through changes in behaviour, withdrawal, emotional overwhelm, sleep difficulties, school difficulties or increased anxiety.
A therapeutic space separate from the legal process can give children an opportunity to express and process their experiences at a pace that feels manageable.
The focus remains on the child's emotional wellbeing and therapeutic needs, rather than asking them to take sides or become involved in adult disputes.
Every case is different. Whether therapeutic support is appropriate, and how it is structured, depends on the child's needs, the circumstances of the case and the scope of any instruction.
Where appropriate, the process may include:
I work as a treating therapist, not as an expert witness, assessor or evaluator. My role is to support the child's emotional wellbeing through therapeutic work.
I do not make recommendations to the court about the outcome of proceedings, assess parental blame or provide expert evidence.
Where I am instructed through a solicitor, the scope of the work, confidentiality, communication and any reporting requirements are discussed and agreed at the outset.
My approach is:
Therapeutic support for children and young people experiencing emotional difficulties connected with family separation, family conflict or ongoing family court proceedings.
Sessions are adapted to the child's age and needs and may incorporate creative approaches such as sandtray, drawing, storytelling and other therapeutic tools.
Parents and carers may have an important role in supporting a child's therapeutic work. Where appropriate, parent sessions can provide space to discuss practical considerations, understand the child's emotional needs and explore how best to support them outside therapy.
Any involvement of parents or carers is considered carefully within the context of the therapeutic work and the terms of instruction.
I consider appropriate referrals from solicitors and other professionals involved in family proceedings where therapeutic support may benefit a child or young person.
The service provides a clearly defined therapeutic role focused on the child's emotional wellbeing, with the scope of the work and any communication arrangements agreed at the outset.
This may be relevant where a child is experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, family conflict, difficulties following separation, changes in family circumstances or other emotional difficulties connected with family proceedings.
Every case is different. Referrals are considered individually, taking into account the child's needs, the circumstances of the case, the scope of the work required and current availability.
If you are a parent, solicitor or professional considering therapeutic support for a child involved in family court proceedings, please get in touch to discuss the circumstances and whether my service may be appropriate.
Yes. Therapeutic support can provide a child with a safe, neutral space to explore their feelings and experiences when family circumstances or court proceedings are affecting their emotional wellbeing.
The focus is on the child's therapeutic needs, helping them process difficult emotions, manage anxiety or distress, and develop ways of coping with what they are experiencing.
A treating therapist supports the child's emotional wellbeing through therapeutic work. This is different from the role of an expert witness, assessor or evaluator.
My role is not to determine the outcome of proceedings, assess parental blame or provide an expert opinion to the court. Where I am solicitor-instructed, the scope of the therapeutic work and any agreed communication or reporting arrangements are established at the outset.
Where appropriate and agreed as part of the instruction, factual information about therapeutic engagement may be provided within the boundaries of the therapeutic role.
This is different from an expert assessment or psychological evaluation. I do not provide recommendations to the court about the outcome of family proceedings.
Referrals can be considered from parents, solicitors and other professionals involved with a child or family. Each referral is considered individually, taking into account the child's needs, the circumstances of the case, the scope of the work required and current capacity.
Please get in touch to discuss the referral and whether my service may be appropriate.
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