Mental Health Services by Mel Ricketts Psychology
Partnering in Your Child's Progress
Seeking support for your child through child therapy is a brave first step. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, OCD, or navigating their neurodivergence, my goal is to provide a space where they feel understood and where you feel supported as a parent involved in therapy.
My Approach Working With The System
I believe that for therapy to be truly effective for children and young people, it shouldn't happen in a vacuum. I work collaboratively with parents to ensure that the tools we build in the therapy room translate to real-life changes at home and school.
Creating a Low-Demand Environment
If your child is neurodivergent, they may have had negative experiences with "traditional" expectations. In my sessions:
Sensory Needs Come First: Fidgets, drawing, or cameras-off are always okay.
No Pressure to Mask: I don't require eye contact or sitting still. We work with your child's natural way of communicating.
Strengths-Based: We focus on what your child can do, building their confidence from the ground up.
School Liaison
With your consent, I can provide brief summaries or attend professional meetings to ensure that school staff understand your child’s needs from a psychological and neuro-affirming perspective, enhancing their neurodivergence support.
What Your Involvement Looks Like
- The Initial Assessment: I usually meet with parents first (or alongside the child) to get a full picture of the family's needs and the child's spiky profile.
- Parent Consultations: We can schedule dedicated sessions just for you. This is a safe space to discuss strategies, share concerns, and learn how to co-regulate with your child.
- Session Updates: While I respect the privacy of my older adolescent clients, I keep parents informed of the overall goals we are working on and how you can support their bravery challenges at home.