Sadly, the state of children's mental health is poor. But, using mindfulness, creativity and nature we can actively seek to change things, enabling children to be happier and more resilient.

Positive Emotional Wellbeing is characterised by many elements, and in order enable a child to be able to build on their own strength and uniqueness, I draw on influences from counselling theory, sociological ideas, art, nature and education.

If I can work alongside a child, or group of children, to create a relationship that is authentic, founded on empathy and accepts a child's individuality, then that child will have space to grow, becoming more aware of their own inner strengths and magic.

There is also a need to look at the wider context. What's causing that feeling? How does our society need to change? What is going on within the child's environment? None of these considerations are forgotten at TNM, but I am to empower the children to understand that with some small changes and greater understanding, they can be happier in their daily lives.

Therapeutic beliefs

The ideas behind counselling and therapy have a long, rich history, but it’s the work of Carl Rogers, in the mid 1900's that caught my attention.

Rogers developed the ideas behind 'Person centred thinking.’ Before his conclusions, the idea of ‘helping’ would usually mean trying to solve an individual's problems for them but he reframed that and instead built ideas based on the need to;

Be genuine and congruent
Offer unconditional positive regard
Feel and communicate a deep empathic understanding.

I am influenced by, and take learnings from rich, well known theories such as Freud’s psychodynamic approach, in addition to more recent ideas from the likes of Gabor Mate and Richard Schwartz. I consider therapists, counsellors and teachers to be enablers. If children are actively listened to, encouraged to explore, and allowed to express, then that will help them find their feet in the World.

These ideas also tie into what psychologists call ‘Growth Mindset.’

This is the belief that humans are able to learn, adapt, change and evolve - meaning that people who fall into this category tend to have greater personal, emotional and career success.

With that foundation from which to work, I've spent time with children considering how to create those core conditions in a non-intimidating way, whilst using my knowledge of play therapy and psychological development. I now provide a 'safe space' whereby children feel empathy, warmth and encouragement to allow them to explore, and to ultimately improve their emotional education and wellbeing.

“If I can provide a certain type of relationship, the other person will discover within himself the capacity to use that relationship for growth and change and personal development will occur.”

Carl Jung

Educational influences

Montessori Principles

The Montessori approach, is centred on child led learning, and the development of the whole child, not just academic capability, through experiences.

It draws on the belief that when provided with the right conditions children avidly and willingly learn, initiating their own direction. This is often captured by a much used Montessori motto, ‘Help me to do it myself.’ Teachers are therefore facilitators of each individual learning journey.

Forest Schooling

Over recent years, Forest Schools have become more prevalent throughout the UK. There are now many dedicated Forest Schools, and Forest School hours regularly appear on the mainstream curriculum.

Key components of Forest Schooling include the views that each child is unique and valuable, that they are entitled to develop positive relationships with themselves others, and the natural world, and that they can learn from risks and challenges.

Therapeutic beliefs

Carl Jung

Educational influences

Montessori Principles

The Montessori approach, is centred on child led learning, and the development of the whole child, not just academic capability, through experiences.

It draws on the belief that when provided with the right conditions children avidly and willingly learn, initiating their own direction. This is often captured by a much used Montessori motto, ‘Help me to do it myself.’ Teachers are therefore facilitators of each individual learning journey.

Forest Schooling

Over recent years, Forest Schools have become more prevalent throughout the UK. There are now many dedicated Forest Schools, and Forest School hours regularly appear on the mainstream curriculum.

Key components of Forest Schooling include the views that each child is unique and valuable, that they are entitled to develop positive relationships with themselves others, and the natural world, and that they can learn from risks and challenges.

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Therapeutic beliefs

Carl Jung

Educational influences

Montessori Principles

The Montessori approach, is centred on child led learning, and the development of the whole child, not just academic capability, through experiences.

It draws on the belief that when provided with the right conditions children avidly and willingly learn, initiating their own direction. This is often captured by a much used Montessori motto, ‘Help me to do it myself.’ Teachers are therefore facilitators of each individual learning journey.

Forest Schooling

Over recent years, Forest Schools have become more prevalent throughout the UK. There are now many dedicated Forest Schools, and Forest School hours regularly appear on the mainstream curriculum.

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Key components of Forest Schooling include the views that each child is unique and valuable, that they are entitled to develop positive relationships with themselves others, and the natural world, and that they can learn from risks and challenges.

Company details

Contact