Clare Hutchison

Child Psychotheraputic Counsellor

Hello and a warm welcome to my website! I am Clare, a counsellor specialising in supporting children and adolescents. I work with young people to express themselves and feel truly understood in a way that respects their unique experiences. This involves discovering each individual’s way of communicating and attune my approach to meet them where they are at. I incorporate humour and play to foster a trusting relationship. Although there is a reason that has led them to counselling, I believe in highlighting each person’s strengths rather than solely focusing on what may be seen as wrong or difficult.

Child and Adolescents

With empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach, I work to create a safe and supportive space for young people where they can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions while developing the self-awareness and skills they need to thrive.

My training in integrative therapy allows me to draw from a range of clinically proven theoretical approaches, tailoring each session to the unique needs of every young person. As a trauma-informed therapist, I compassionately incorporate creative expression—such as painting, drawing, storytelling, and sand tray work—to add depth to their healing journey.

Parents

At times, parents may choose to seek support in helping their child without the child attending therapy sessions. I provide a non-judgmental space where parents can share their struggles, and together, we can explore their child’s challenges through a therapeutic lens.

Drawing on brain science and attachment theory, I help parents understand the "how" and "why" behind their child’s behaviour, offering strategies for stressful times. My role is to help parents gain insight and strengthen their ability to parent effectively and healthily. Since parents know their children best, they have the greatest potential to support them, and my goal is to enhance that vital parent-child connection.

Sessions

In a typical session, I act as a playful and curious guide, staying alongside the child to help identify and understand challenges, provide the right level of support, and offer new perspectives. I am trained to recognise symbols and metaphors, and my integrative approach allows me to pay close attention to unconscious messages too.

I consider not only what is said, but also what remains unspoken, exploring the potential meanings behind these elements in relation to the child’s relationships and experiences outside of therapy.

Presenting difficulties

Anxiety & Social Anxiety

Low self worth

Traumatic experiences

Challenges with regulating emotions

Difficulties relating to attachment and separation

Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)

Bereavement and family illness

Difficulties in family or peer relationships

Coping with parental separation or divorce

Neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD) diagnosed or suspected

Living as a young carer

Confidentiality & GDPR

Therapy sessions and parent consultations are confidential. If a client or parent discloses information indicating that there is significant risk to somebody’s safety or wellbeing, it may be necessary for me to share this information with relevant professionals. Wherever possible I will inform my clients and their parents before this happens.

I always find an age-appropriate way to explain my limits of confidentiality to children when we form a contract at the start of our work.

I receive regular clinical supervision to support my practice but clients’ personal details are protected.

I am registered with ICO (The Information Comissioner’s Office) ref no. ZB640738 and will provide you with my data protection policy should we begin work together.

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