Leonie Drake

Integrative Child, Adolescent, and Adult Therapist (BACP)

Hello, my name is Leonie Drake, I am a BACP registered Integrative Child, Adolescent, and Adult Therapist.

Providing support for:

– Children – 18+ years of age.

– Separate parent/carer support sessions, using psychoeducation.

– Adult sessions.

Child and adolescent work:
My approach is ‘integrative’, which means it will be attuned to the individual young person’s specific needs, drawing on many types of therapy modalities (such as psychodynamic and person-centred).

Children and young people (adolescents and teens) often express their feelings and process inner conflicts through varied ways that can often be hard to put into words and may be shown or embodied (using their bodies).

I can offer a child-led, relational, and empathetic approach, which draws on a variety of dynamic and creative methods – this could be through using art materials, visualisation, movements, play, and metaphor, alongside talking therapy.

• I can treat children and young people who are experiencing behavioural, emotional, social, and psychological difficulties. By enabling a young person to feel safe in our therapeutic relationship, I help them to understand, process and manage inner conflict and presenting needs.
• It is proven that early intervention can help prevent further issues from developing into adulthood.

Adult therapy work:
I can help support you through periods of difficulties and encourage a deeper understanding of yourself.

Sometimes our current behaviour and relationship patterns can be replicating unprocessed childhood wounds, difficult attachments and trauma. Within the therapeutic relationship processing acceptance and self-compassion of our inner experiences can help to transform patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us in our current lives.

I have extensive training and experience working with trauma and understanding difficult relationships. I will meet you where you’re at, using a variety of therapeutic methods, including traditional talking therapy, alongside visualisation, working with the body (how we can store trauma and feelings somatically) and creativity if desired.

Whilst I have worked with a broad spectrum of issues and concerns, I have particular experience in working with:

• Disordered eating and Eating Disorders (e.g. post-treatment recovery). Understanding low self-worth and relationship with food and body image.
• Addiction - whether you are the person suffering or in close proximity to someone suffering.
• Depression, anxiety and how this may manifest.

I will support issues such as:

• Addictions
• Adoption (registered as an Independent therapist with Adoption England.)
• ADHD
• Anxiety and depression
• Attachment issues
• Autism
• Bereavement and grief
• Bipolar and mood disorders
• Body image
• Bullying
• Childhood trauma and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder.)
• Chronic illnesses
• Disabilities and learning difficulties
• Divorce/family difficulties/ relationships
• Eating disorders and disordered eating
• Gender and Identity
• Life transitions
• Self-esteem
• Self-harm
• Sexuality and sexual health
• Sexual abuse and exploitation/grooming

Training and Qualifications:

• Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling. My training underpins trauma-orientated Body Psychotherapy, working with attachments and relationships.
• PG Dip in Integrative Child and Adolescent Counselling – Training in MA Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy. (Terapia, London).
• PG Cert in Adult Counselling and theoretical perspectives in Psychotherapy. (Terapia, London).

Other therapeutic experience – within the NHS, Voluntary Sector and Local Authority, spanning the last 13 years in London:

• School Counselling in Primary and Secondary Schools with ages 4-18 years old for 7 years.
• Leading in-depth one-to-one and group work with severely autistic children aged 5-16 years old.
• I design and facilitate parent’s therapeutic groups – this includes ‘Theraplay’ sessions. Aimed at building and enhancing attachments between adult and child relationships.
• Sexual Health and Relationship Education, with young people in Schools and Colleges, outreach, workshops, teaching lessons and training professionals in the community, spanning 10 years.
• Therapeutic 1:1 and group support in NHS clinics with:
  • HIV+ young people and adults.
  • Sexual assault patients.
  • Patients with complex mental health needs.
  • Domestic Violence lead for families.

I am currently seeing clients predominantly ONLINE only. However initial meetings/assessments will be done face-to-face where possible.

As a member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy), I abide by their code of ethics, which includes regular supervision of my work and ongoing professional development.

***If you are in need of more information and guidance about therapy, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.***