Patrick Halcrow

About me:

Hello, I am a Child and Educational Psychologist specialising in offering psychotherapy support. I have been supporting children, young people and families for over 15 years. I now split my time undertaking assessments as a psychologist, primarily for Local Authorities, and offering psychotherapy in private practice.

I am trained to doctoral level and I am registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), The British Psychological Society (BPS) and The British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). This means that you can be sure that I have undertaken extensive training and that I am monitored by and adhere to the standards of practice and ethical codes of these organisations.

Who do I support :

I work with children and young people from birth, up until the age of 25, who can present with a range of childhood difficulties (i.e. anxiety, low mood, self-esteem issues, aggression, relationship difficulties, eating issues, phobias, gender and sexuality diversity, stress and coping difficulties, loss and bereavement, traumatic events, developmental trauma such as neglect and abuse, neurodevelopmental issues such as ADHD or autism). All children and young people can struggle emotionally from time to time as they adjust to the challenges of growing up and adapting to their environments. Sometimes their presentations can be distressing, challenging, and prevent them from benefiting from the care and opportunities that are available to them. 

I work with parents or carers who are worried about their babies/toddlers/children. I offer supervision and support to professionals working with children and young people.

How do I work:

Psychotherapy refers to talking therapies. I use a psychodynamic & relational approach. This means that I am trained to look beneath the surface of difficult emotions, behaviours and relationships to help children, young people and their families to understand themselves and their problems. 

Individual child psychotherapy: A child or young person will be seen in weekly psychotherapy on their own. This will be supported through separate, regular reviews with parents/carers. It is sometimes necessary to liaise with a child’s school if difficulties arise there, to ensure a joint up approach. I work in a child-led and age-appropriate way through a combination of talking, play and drawing. Older children are usually able to talk about their difficulties, whilst younger children may prefer to play or draw in sessions. They are helped to make sense of their own experience and develop their own individuality and potential. As a result the child or young person can begin to express their emotions in healthier ways and they are likely to feel less anxious, more able to learn and better equipped to sustain relationships.

Parent support: Parent/Carer(s) are seen for regular sessions (e.g. weekly or fortnightly). Parents can feel very worried about their children and can often blame themselves for their child’s difficulties or worry that others will do so. Parent support sessions offer a non-judgemental space to think about the child, the parenting role and the parent-child relationship. It is also a space to explore your feelings as a parent.  

Joint work with parent/carer(s) and their children: A child and parent/carer(s) are seen together in weekly therapy. This offers a space to think about relationship(s) and patterns of relating, which can support wellbeing and mental health for both the child and adult. Sometimes, video feedback approaches can be used to explore interactions that are sensitive, attuned, and/or more of what the parent/carer and child would like. 

Availability:

I have availability on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (1pm - 6pm). Please enquire about online working if in person, is not possible.

First steps:

1. You could explore my website for further information about the type of support I offer (www.childpsychotherapynorwich.co.uk

2. Contact me with an enquiry or any questions. I will get back to you with my availability and some further information.

3. An initial 1 hour consultation is offered to parents/carers to explore concerns and consider the next steps. Young people over 18 can attend alone. 

Fees

Initial 1 hour parent/carer consultation: £110 (payment is requested in advance).

Subsequent 50 minute appointments: usually £85