Hello, my name is Dorrie Townend, welcome to Your Space therapy. I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist specialising in working therapeutically with children, teenagers, and young people. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).

Therapy is your space. It is your space to decide what you wish to explore, how you might like to explore it, and the pace in which we do so. I offer a warm, empathetic, non-judgemental and confidential space. I believe that everybody, no matter their age, needs a safe space to express themselves, be seen, heard, and understood.

Being an integrative therapist/counsellor, I am trained in person-centred and psychoanalytical therapy. I offer many different types of therapy depending on the needs and suitability to the individual. I use creative methods, which often helps young people find words for their feelings. This might be drawing, painting, sand-tray, games, slime, model making. I also offer more traditional person-centred talking therapies, as well as CBT, which may appeal to clients who like to 'do'/ 'action' in order to solve a problem. I am also trained in play therapy, which, provides another avenue through which to explore and express feelings that cannot yet be put into words. I also always consider the family dynamics and external systems around the young person, such as, school, society, culture, religion. The relationship between myself and the client is fundamentally the most important aspect of the work, and I endeavour to build safety and trust throughout.

I am trauma-informed and draw upon attachment theory in my work too. I have many years of experience working with vulnerable children and young people, including Children Looked After.

I hold an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children, Adolescence and Families from the University of Roehampton, London.