Samantha Hemming

I offer supportive, child-centred sessions designed to help children develop emotional resilience, confidence, self-awareness and positive coping skills.

My work is particularly suited to children who may be experiencing big emotions, low confidence, anxiety around school, difficulties with relationships, challenging behaviour, changes at home, or simply finding it difficult to understand and manage what they are feeling.

My approach is warm, creative and completely personalised to the individual child. I believe that children learn best when they feel safe, respected and genuinely listened to, so building a trusting relationship is at the heart of my sessions.

Rather than simply telling a child how they should behave or feel, I help them develop an understanding of what is happening within them. We might explore emotions through conversation, creative activities, games, storytelling, movement, mindfulness and simple body-based regulation techniques.

Depending on the child, sessions may focus on recognising emotions, developing emotional vocabulary, understanding triggers, managing overwhelming feelings, building self-esteem, developing healthy boundaries, improving communication or learning practical strategies for calming and regulating themselves.

I have experience working with children and young people and take a trauma-informed, compassionate and strengths-based approach. I don't see challenging behaviour as a child being “difficult”; I see it as communication and an opportunity to understand what that child may be needing.

Every child is different, so there is no rigid programme. I meet each child where they are and create sessions around their personality, interests, strengths and individual needs.

My aim is for children to leave sessions not only feeling supported, but with a growing sense of “I understand myself, I can handle my feelings, and I can do this.”