Ahead For Learning
Emotional and Educational Support
Educational Psychotherapist and Systemic Practitioner.
M.Sc., B.Sc, B.Ed., Hons., UKCP Accredited.
I work with children, young people and families.
About me
Your child’s well-being is at the heart of my work at Ahead For Learning. I have worked in education for over 30 years as a specialist teacher (B.Ed., Hons), with a B.Sc. in Psychology and an M.Sc. in Language and Communication. As an Educational Psychotherapist, I have worked with children of all ages in private practice and in CAMHS NHS. At the Tavistock, I trained as a Systemic Practitioner (PGDip-AFT) to support families and/or siblings. The systemic perspective invites conversations and stories around identity, culture and belonging. My approach is adapted to the needs of the client, building a trusting relationship and safe environment that invites exploration of barriers around communication, feelings, emotions and learning.
How I can help
Talk-Time: Family Services and Children’s Learning Consultant.
Exploring barriers to Learning – Language and Communication.
School and Family Transitions, Trauma, Separation, Anxiety and Relationships.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health.
Sessions
| Educational and Child-Adolescent Psychotherapy (5-18 year olds) |
| This will be a 1:1 weekly session in therapy rooms, home visits, or within schools. The sessions explore barriers to relationships, learning, language and communication. The time is structured with opportunities for games, play, conversation and learning tasks, depending on your child’s needs/interests. After three initial sessions a longer treatment plan will be provided. Assessments may include support for SEMH, reading, spelling, maths and core subject areas. |
| Talk-Time: family sessions to support care, connection & communication Talk-Time: for Sibling/Peer Support and Connection |
| Aimed to work systemically and creatively to improve relationships between children & parents, or between siblings or key members of your family, with a focus on co-regulation opportunities. |
| Walk-n-Talk |
| Creative therapy sessions and Walk-n-Talk Outdoor Therapy aligned with COOPTUK for parents-to-be, teens and parents with younger children. Forest/Park Settings or room-based tasks to support bonding and sensory relaxation. |
| Doula-Time: for pre-conception, prenatal & postnatal conversations and/or assistance |
| We get one start in life and that is why the First 1001 Days are so important. Pre-conception maternity sessions: these aim to provide rhythmic and sensory ways to soothe, nuture and prepare for parenthood. Pre-natal sessions: provide a package of self care after conception. Post-partum sessions: include infant feeding, and offer emotional, practical and informative support with an emphasis on caring for yourself and your new baby with knowledge and compassion for this big transition. |
| Other Learning Support Packages |
| Advice around transitions, relationships, co-regulation, friendship building and attachment from Nursery and learning goals in pre-school, primary and secondary school. |
What to expect
Initial enquiries are received through email. I provide a free 15 minute consultation to discuss next steps and my availability.
Locations
Kensington & Chelsea, Wimbledon and West Hampstead.
Enquiries
alison@aheadforlearning.com
