Our multi disciplinary team of qualified therapists are highly skilled.
Our team and all of our therapy services are headed up by our clinical lead Fiona, yet we have an extensive team of psychodynamically qualified therapists. All our therapists are either qualified or actively working towards a masters level in BACP accredited qualifications for child and adolescent counselling as well as being members of the BACP.
All staff are DBS checked, insured and subject to strict clinical supervision as well as being in their own personal therapy.
Our philosophy at Teenage Mental Health is that the patient always comes first and is the center of any work.
Our team
Pingu
Pingu is a large, fluffy German Shepherd cross Chow who joined the Teenage Mental Health family as a young pup and celebrated his first birthday in May. He is currently beginning his journey as a therapy dog in training.
Gentle, calm and quietly observant, Pingu enjoys simply being around people. He often prefers to settle nearby and take everything in at his own pace, offering a reassuring presence without needing to be the centre of attention.
Although still early in his training journey, Pingu has already begun spending time within the therapeutic environment at TMH, becoming familiar with the different sounds, emotions and experiences that come with a busy counselling setting. His relaxed temperament means he is often content simply sharing space with someone, whether that is quietly lying nearby during a difficult moment or observing proceedings.
Pingu believes there is value in simply being present with someone, without needing to fix or change what they may be feeling. His style is calm, accepting and gently curious, and he is always happy to receive fuss, affection or snacks.
Outside of training, Pingu has developed a reputation for his surprising climbing abilities, leading some ongoing discussion within the TMH team as to whether he may, in fact, be part goat.
Fiona
Fiona leads the team at Teenage Mental Health as our Clinical Director. She holds an Honours degree in Psychology and postgraduate qualifications in teaching, counselling, and psychodynamic approaches. Her Master’s degree is in Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Counselling, and she is currently completing a Professional Doctorate at the University of Essex, researching the impact of canines on child and adolescent psychotherapy.
Before founding Teenage Mental Health, Fiona gained extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, giving her a deep understanding of both fields. She also designed and runs our popular parental programme, providing personalised one-to-one support and solutions for parents. Passionate about ensuring that children receive timely and effective support, she is committed to empowering parents to better support their children.
Alongside her clinical work, Fiona has been deeply involved in mental health training, working with organisations to develop and deliver bespoke training programmes. These programmes equip staff with the skills to manage challenging behaviour and gain a deeper understanding of mental health issues.
As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Fiona firmly believes that the patient must always come first and remain at the heart of every therapeutic intervention.
Womble
Womble is a two-year-old White German Shepherd who has been part of the Teenage Mental Health team since he was a young pup. A familiar face around the centre, he is often one of the first to greet visitors and has a natural ability to help people feel welcome and at ease.
Womble has completed his basic, intermediate and advanced obedience training and now attends regular agility sessions. Calm, friendly and emotionally attuned, he has developed a reputation for knowing exactly when to offer a gentle greeting and when to simply settle nearby and provide quiet company.
He regularly works alongside Fiona, supporting both therapeutic work and research activities. Whether accompanying sessions, meeting families in reception or supervising the office from a comfortable spot on the floor, Womble takes his responsibilities very seriously.
Although the BACP has yet to introduce a membership category for dogs, Womble remains fully up to date with his vaccinations, health checks and monthly flea and worming treatments. Outside of work, he enjoys long walks, agility training and receiving ear scratches from anyone willing to provide them.
Womble believes that sometimes the most important thing you can offer someone is a calm presence, a wagging tail and the reassurance that they do not have to face things alone.
Denise
Denise has worked psychodynamically as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist with couples and individuals for over 30 years. She trained with Relate in Kent and also worked in a crisis drop-in centre in Chatham. She set up her own successful practice in Central London in 1993 which she currently runs part-time online with clients all over the world. Having owned and worked in businesses and in the not for profit sector for many years she has a wide experience of life and problems around relationship difficulties, coaching, grief, depression, self-esteem, and many other issues.
She trained and volunteered as a senior counsellor with ChildLine in London and is studying CBT. She was a Governor for 12 years of Coram Family, the biggest adoption service in the UK where she took an interest in the Contact Centre for Parents and young children.
Denise had a Pet as Therapy dog and worked with him in hospices and adolescent centres and she has written a book about pets and grief which is on Amazon.
Sarah
Sarah is a psychodynamic counsellor who’s worked for over seven years in both private and school settings. She is trained in CBT and has worked extensively with adolescent clients experiencing mental health difficulties such as poor attachment, self-harm, depression, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, anxiety and eating disorders.
Sarah graduated from the University of Essex with Masters degrees in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychology, and previously earned a BA in Drama from St. Mary’s in Twickenham. Her psychology MA focused on social psychology, positive psychology, neuroscience, and theories of child development. Sarah is also a member of the BACP.
Anna
Anna has been working in child and adolescent mental health services for over 20 years. Having worked as a Residential Care Worker, a Behaviour Support Worker, a 1-on-1 Classroom Assistant and a Therapeutic Liasion Officer at a residential boarding school.
Anna graduated from Essex University with a Ba in Therapeutic Communications and Therapeutic Organisations. She then went on to achieve a Master's degree in Psychodynamic Counselling in 2015.
Anna has a wealth of experience thanks to her work as a Community Project Lead and Family Support Practitioner at various Ipswich children's centre. She then went on to work with 4YP, a local charity focusing around helping teenagers with mental health issues.
Anna has a lot of experience of working with anxiety, depression, attachment disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, social anxiety, trauma and abuse as well as being qualified for family therapy.
Ellie
Ellie graduated in 2021 from the University of Essex with a first-class honour degree in Ma in Psychodynamic Counselling with children and young people. She emphasizes the importance of continuing professional development and has recently qualified in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training. CBT is a well-evidenced short-term intervention that can be easily incorporated into a psychodynamic approach with clients.
Ellie explains “In the short-term CBT can be used to address immediately presenting issues, such as anxiety, phobias or OCD.” She collaborates with clients to implement biological and behavioural interventions.
Ellie’s background is in education, and she has previously worked as a teacher in secondary schools and further/higher establishments, supporting both the learning and emotional needs of children and young people. Ellie has worked alongside clients with a range of difficulties; loss and bereavement, anxiety, low mood and depression, problems with emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, gender dysphoria, and trauma.
As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Ellie practices evidence-led therapy using a client-centred approach to establish a mutually trusting therapeutic alliance.
Zoe H
Zoe has worked as a Psychodynamic counsellor for 15 years within a range of different organisations initially with adult clients. These have included Ipswich Counselling centre, Mentis counselling centre and Northgate Psychotherapy department based in Colchester. Her work has specialised in working with trauma, sexual abuse, and within a drug and rehabilitation centre.
Zoe's expertise in working with children and adolescents since 2013 has been enhanced by her work in primary and high schools in Norfolk and Suffolk and she worked as a school counsellor at a Norfolk School for 5 years where she gained a wealth of experience working with adolescents.
She has recently taken cognitive behavioural therapy training which she can incorporate into her work with her clients, and she holds a Diploma In Psychodynamic Counselling for adults and a Ma in Psychodynamic counselling children and adolescents. She is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She also works in her own time as a reflexologist /holistic therapist and provides treatments form her own salon.
Charlie
Chief Administrator and Head Receptionist: Charlie
Charlie originally trained as a musician, earning a degree in Popular Music from University Centre Colchester. With a background in both performance and education, he has worked as a therapeutic music educator and toured as a professional musician.
Since joining Teenage Mental Health in September 2019, Charlie has become a vital part of the team, known for his warm welcomes, sharp organisational skills, and an uncanny ability to keep everything running smoothly. Whether he's greeting clients, managing files, or making sure the office stays in top shape, he brings the same dedication to his work as he does to his hobbies—knitting, Viking reenactment, and martial arts (yes, a well-rounded set of skills).
If you need a friendly face, an efficient admin, or someone to chat about historical combat techniques, Charlie’s your guy.
Kath
Kath has been part of the Teenage Mental Health team since its early beginnings and is a highly valued member of the service. Often one of the first people young people, parents and carers speak to, she is known for her calm, welcoming and reassuring presence.
Alongside her role within reception and therapeutic support, Kath brings many years of experience working with children, young people and families. Her background includes education support, nurture-based work and therapeutic fostering, helping her develop a strong understanding of the challenges many families face.
Kath completed a Batchelors degree in Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations and is completing an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Essex. Her interest in therapeutic work has been shaped by both her professional experience and her belief in the importance of supporting not only individuals, but also the wider family around them.
Kath's approach is warm, thoughtful and approachable. She believes people should feel welcomed, respected and emotionally safe when seeking support and values building genuine connections with those she works alongside.
As her clinical training continues, Kath remains particularly interested in family relationships, attachment and the ways in which strengthening a child's support network can contribute to positive and lasting change.
Martin
Originally qualifying with a Ba degree in Graphic Design, Martin retrained in 2011 to work as a psychodynamic counsellor with adults, adolescents and children. His background in art and design helps inform some aspects of his counselling work e.g. dream interpretation that often touches on symbolism/representation.
After successfully completing both a certificate and diploma in psychodynamic counselling at Chelmsford Counselling Foundation, Martin embarked on successive courses at the University of Essex where he completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Approaches, an Ma in Psychoanalytic Studies and an Ma in Psychodynamic Counselling with children/adolescents.
Since graduating Martin has worked in both primary and secondary school settings with pupils and staff members as well as volunteering for Open Road as a counsellor supporting adults in recovery from substance abuse. In the past he worked for the charity 1NE in London/Essex schools supporting children impacted by substance abuse and addiction. He was also an Essex County Council foster carer for over 10 years.
Martin’s therapeutic approach is a combination of psychodynamic modality enhanced by play and art therapy. His work has often focused on children impacted by substance abuse/addiction and the trauma/dissociation and psychological turmoil associated with this. Working with attachment disorder and self-esteem issues form a significant part of this and other aspects of his work.
Laura
Laura graduated from the University of Essex with a BA in Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations and has since completed her MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents.
Laura has extensive experience working therapeutically with children and adolescents of all ages. She spent 12 years working as a Teaching Assistant within a primary school setting, where she gained numerous additional qualifications, including completing ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training. During this time, she also offered 1:1 therapeutic support sessions to children within the school environment.
Throughout her work in schools, Laura worked extensively with children who had been fostered or adopted, alongside young people experiencing difficulties linked to parental suicide, low self-esteem, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and behavioural difficulties.
Laura has lived in various countries, bringing a broad range of life experience and cultural understanding into her therapeutic work. She is an Advanced Drawing and Talking Practitioner, offering this both privately and within schools, alongside sand-play and therapeutic art sessions. Laura is also a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Philippa
Philippa is an Integrative Counsellor, working from a creative and compassionate, trauma-informed perspective. She has over 10 years experience working with children and adolescents, in various settings, including schools and charity outreach organisations.
Due to her Masters in Early Childhood Studies, from Roehampton University and her Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Children in Schools, from Place2Be, she has an in-depth knowledge of child/adolescent development, attachment and play.
She has experience working with an array of mental health difficulties including; developmental trauma, sexual violence, domestic violence, self-harm, suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts, regulating relational dynamics, neurodivergence, and various mental health conditions including anxiety, bipolar, OCD and eating disorders.
Ultimately, Philippa will be present to listen and hold the therapeutic space for the child or young person, to empower their reflective process and help them develop a deeper understanding of their sense of self, utilising verbal and non-verbal methods of communication, creativity and/or play.
Philippa in 2024 further upskilled themselves learning CBT practices, and is still expanding her skills, undergoing further CPD training in Neurodiversity Specialist Training; Affirming Practices for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD, and More. Philippa is always learning new ways to support every young person she works with.
Jim
Jim is a highly experienced Play Therapist and a registered member of the British Association of Play Therapists. He has been working therapeutically with children and young people since 2016, supporting individuals from early childhood through to secondary school age.
Jim’s work is informed by a strong understanding of how play offers a natural and meaningful way for children to express thoughts, feelings and experiences that can be difficult to put into words. Jim provides a contained therapeutic space where emotions explored, processed and understood through activity, expression and relationship. Jim also works effectively with older children and adolescents who may prefer talking or creative interaction, drawing on relational connection and shared meaning in ways that feel developmentally appropriate.
Jim holds an MSc in Play Therapy from the University of South Wales and has worked across education, charity and local authority settings, including close one-to-one work in schools. He brings a calm, attuned presence that helps young people feel understood, supported and genuinely listened to.
Jim has completed further training in CBT and holds a strong professional interest in attachment theory. He integrates this knowledge thoughtfully into his work. This blend of relational, reflective and evidence-based approaches enables him to work effectively with a wide range of patients.
Dylan
Dylan joined Teenage Mental Health in 2020, bringing experience in business compliance, HR, and organisational management to support care and development of the service.
Dylan is also Psychodynamic Counsellor and Psychotherapist working with children and adolescents (MBACP). After completing his Fda & Ba in Psychodynamics, Therapeutic Communications, and Therapeutic Organisations, he gained an MA in Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy. Dylan sees patients, carries out assessments and liaises with families to support their therapeutic journeys.
Dylan is also a Registered Foster Carer with Suffolk Fostering and Adoption Services and a member of the Suffolk Foster Carers Association. He is passionate about promoting good care for children in care and advocating for carers, parents, and young people.
As Director of Client Services at TMH, Dylan works to develop TMH’s services and relationships across education, health, and community settings. He is also keen to hear about training needs or bespoke workshop requests for young people, parents, carers, and professionals.
Outside of work, Dylan coaches a local children’s running club as a UK Athletics (UKA) Junior Coach, believing sport and community engagement can improve wellbeing.
Karen
Karen joined the Teenage Mental Health team this year and has quickly become a valued and welcoming part of the service. Warm, approachable and naturally empathic, Karen helps create a calm and supportive environment for the young people, parents and professionals visiting TMH.
Before joining TMH, Karen spent more than 12 years working within schools as a Teaching Assistant, supporting both primary and secondary-aged children from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Alongside this, she has also worked within reception and customer-facing roles, developing strong organisational and communication skills. Karen also has experience helping run a nurture group within a secondary school setting, supporting young people who required additional emotional support within education.
Although Karen is not a therapist, her experience working closely alongside children, adolescents and families gives her a thoughtful and emotionally aware understanding of many of the challenges young people and parents may face. She is often recognised for balancing warmth and empathy with professionalism, reliability and approachability, and is passionate about helping families feel comfortable and supported from their very first interaction with TMH.
Outside of work, Karen is currently learning to play the drums at 56 years old and jokingly aspires to one day make it onto the Glastonbury stage. While TMH cannot yet confirm any upcoming festival appearances, we fully support the dream.
Phoebe
Phoebe holds a Ba degree in Therapeutic Communications and Therapeutic Organisations and an Ma in child and adolescent psychotherapy both from the University of Essex. She has over 10 years of experience working therapeutically as a mental health support worker, providing intensive 1:1 support for young people reintegrating into the community when leaving hospitals from section and managing challenging behaviours.
She also works as a 1:1 learning support assistant in a secondary school, supporting young people with mental, physical and learning difficulties. Phoebe has a wealth of experience working with learning difficulties, ASD and a vast range of physical disabilities and she is a member of the BACP
Lisa
Lisa supports Teenage Mental Health through her involvement in the TMH Parent Support Groups, helping to create a warm, welcoming and supportive environment for parents and carers attending sessions. She values the importance of supporting not only the individual, but also the wider network of relationships around them.
Lisa is currently completing the final stages of a Masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. She previously completed a BA (Hons) in Therapeutic Communication and Therapeutic Organisations, developing an interest in psychodynamic thinking and the emotional experiences that shape people's lives and relationships.
With a background in education, Lisa has supported the emotional wellbeing of children, young people and adults navigating the challenges of development, learning and change. Her experience includes working alongside individuals affected by trauma, attachment difficulties and neurodiversity. She has also undertaken training in safeguarding, SEND awareness and trauma-informed practice.
Lisa believes the TMH Parent Support Groups provide a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to share experiences, gain support and feel less alone in the challenges they may be facing.
Lisa's is passionate about creating spaces where people feel understood, supported and able to speak openly about their experiences, and hopes to further develop a therapeutic approach that incorporates creativity and play in her future clinical work.
Contact us
For Mental Health Support in Ipswich & the surrounding areas please contact us using the details below or alternatively fill out the form and we'll ring you back to arrange an appointment.
Call: 01473 411324
Email:
reception@teenagementalhealth.co.uk
Postal Address:
Womble House, 31 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AQ
BACP Organisational Membership Number: 00276237