Assessment sessions with young people

In assessment sessions, we:

• Go at the young person’s pace, with breaks as needed
• Create a calm, supportive space where they feel comfortable and heard
• Can be one to one or, they can be supported by a parent or other supportive adult also sitting in with them

We explore:

• The young person’s understanding of what is happening for them
• How they feel life is going overall
• Any areas they would like to be different

Where helpful, I use visual resources or activities (such as drawing or colouring) to support communication and comfort.

We also gently explore key areas of life, including:

• Physical and mental health
• Daily routines (such as sleep, school or college)
• Important relationships
• Hobbies, interests, and strengths
• Any current or past risks to wellbeing and safety
• What the young person would like from support

Once assessment is complete, I review all the information and feedback to you to share my impression of the current needs and recommendations for next steps.
 

Ongoing occupational therapy sessions

If we move on to therapy sessions, we:

• Work collaboratively to clarify goals that matter most to the young person

These goals may include:

• Regulating emotions and sensory overwhelm at school or college
• Increasing participation in social groups
• Developing friendships and confidence in social interactions
• Understanding their sensory or neurodivergent profile
• Developing safer coping and regulation strategies
• Building their sense of identity, self-understanding, and self-acceptance
• Increasing independence in daily routines (mornings, school or college work, self-care, sleep)
• Finding a healthier balance between demands, rest, and enjoyment

Together, we create a clear, realistic roadmap towards these goals.

Sessions combine education, activities, practical 'experiments' (trying strategies between sessions) and reflection to build skills in areas such as:

• Understanding anxiety and stress cycles
• Linking thoughts, feelings, body responses, and actions
• Developing flexible thinking and motivation
• Practising and embedding coping, regulation, and grounding strategies
• Understanding social dynamics and communication
• Adapting environments and routines to support participation
• Building confidence and independence in everyday life
• Exploring sensory needs across different situations
   

Reviews and endings

We hold regular reviews (typically every 6–12 sessions) so the young person and parent can reflect on progress, the impact on daily life, and priorities for the next block of work.

When goals are reached and the young person feels confident and equipped, we plan a closure session. You will receive a summary report outlining the work completed and guidance for moving forward.

Some young people return for further blocks or occasional 'top-up' sessions, and I am always happy to revisit support if needed.