Anna Honeysett

I am a child & adolescent counsellor and psychotherapist who specialises in working with adolescents and/or their parents/carers. I have over 14 years’ experience working in the NHS, Charity and private sectors. For the last decade I have worked for a specialist adolescent mental health service in London. I am currently a member of their senior management team. I have extensive experience of working in schools, in young offender services and seeing patients in clinics both under the NHS and privately.

I believe passionately that every young person should have the chance to fulfil their potential and to make the most of their lives. This is what motivates me day to day.

I completed my full clinical training at Birkbeck University (MSc - Distinction). I also hold a Certificate in Counselling & Psychotherapy Skills from WPF Therapy and a certificate in MBT-CYP (Mentalisation based therapy for children and adolescents) from the Anna Freud Centre.  

Adolescence and young adulthood can be a challenging and, at times, overwhelming period in our lives. During times of particular stress or change, it can be helpful for a young person to begin therapy to talk about what’s on their mind, regain some clarity of thought and confidence to move forward.

Establishing a safe, trusting relationship where young people feel listened to and understood is at the core of my practice. I work collaboratively to try to understand the difficulties a young person is experiencing by reflecting on patterns in thinking, behaviour and relationships that might be causing difficulty, allowing space to explore who they are and what is important to them.

I have experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds and with a range of presentations. I often work with young people who experience difficulties such as:

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Low mood, poor motivation and depression

• Difficulties with peer and family relationships

• Disrupted sleep

• Difficulties around food and eating patterns

• Poor self-image and difficulties with identity

• Self-harm and suicidal ideation

• Issues at school or university

• Bereavement and loss

• Trauma

• Difficulties relating to gender and sexuality

The above list is not exhaustive, but indicative of the types of issues I treat.

I offer a warm, non-judgemental space, where the child/ young person can explore and make more sense of themselves, their difficulties and strengths, and feel better equipped to cope with challenges. My approach is psychodynamic, but I adapt the way I works to meet the individual’s developmental needs and communication style and support them in their unique journey.

Types of therapy

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and counselling. I offer both short-term and long-term therapy depending on need as well as one off sessions or assessments.