Support for children, teens and parents
Are you struggling with your children, navigating big problems, school issues or behavioural challenges?
My specialist emotional support is rooted in 25 years of experience working with young people.
I specialise in helping children, teens and parents who are struggling with:
- Anxiety, overwhelm and worry
- School refusal and burnout
- Friendships & social difficulties
- Behaviour that feels “big” or confusing
- Emotional meltdowns
- Neurodivergent needs
- Exam stress and perfectionism
- Family conflict
Oxford teaching degree and considerable experience in the National Curriculum
Member of Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists, and Hypnotherapists
Guided and self-help therapies including hypnotherapy and emotional regulation
I honestly don't know what I would have done without the support Kirstie has provided to my son (11) who has anxiety, ASD and ADHD and was previously out of school with EBSNA. He does weekly walk and talk sessions with Kirstie and of the many professionals that have been involved in his life she is one of the only ones that he has been fully able to open up to - Cleo
Welcome — I’m Kirstie
Hello! I’m Kirstie Dawson. I trained as a teacher at Oxford and now have over 25 years experience working hands-on with children, families and neurodivergent young people.
I’ve supported hundreds of children with a wide range of emotional, behavioural and learning needs, including ADHD, ASD, sensory regulation, masking, and school-based anxiety.
I believe everyone has the power to heal, grow, and thrive. Sometimes, we just need the right guidance and support to unlock our potential.
I’m now a qualified NLP Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, and EFT Practitioner, and my therapy work brings together:
- Child development expertise
- Neurodiversity-informed practice
- Trauma-aware approaches
- Parent coaching
- NLP communication tools
- Somatic calming and emotional regulation techniques
- Child-appropriate hypnosis and relaxation strategies
Since working with Kirstie with of my children have grown in confidence in their work and in their ability to handle homework set. I am so very grateful. Kirstie was definitely an answer to prayer! - Vicky
Packages
All packages are £250 and include 3 hours of sessions
These sessions can be used as agreed between us and can be a combination of adult sessions and young person sessions. They can range from 30 minutes to a full hour and a half. Sessions take place in my calm home therapy space and are tailored to the individual young person.
Summer Momentum Programme
A 4-week summer support programme for children and teens who would benefit from a little structure, accountability and encouragement over the holidays. This is ideal for students who want to keep their brain ticking over without needing regular tutoring sessions. Choose 1 or 2 subjects and I will create a personalised programme of work.
- Weekly tasks and challenges tailored to your child
- Marking and personalised feedback
- Clear next steps and areas for development
- Gentle accountability to help keep learning moving forward
Suitable for ages 8-16, including KS2, KS3 and GCSE students.
Subjects available: English, Maths and Science.
4-week programme:
1 subject: £99
2 subjects: £149
Teen Reset Package
4 one-hour sessions for teens who are struggling with overwhelm, anxiety, emotional shutdown, stress, self-pressure, or big emotional reactions.
- Understanding what is happening in the brain and body during stress and overwhelm
- Practical tools to calm emotions before they spiral
- Support with overthinking, anxiety and emotional regulation
- A supportive, practical approach (not your average sit-and-talk therapy)
Life after Autism/ADHD/Dyslexia diagnosis package
3 hours of ‘mix and match’ child/adult sessions including
- Understanding the diagnosis and practical strategies
- How to navigate school
- A plan for the future
- Anxiety reduction and relationship strategies
Home education package
3 hours of ‘mix and match’ child/adult sessions including
- What exactly is home education?
- Practical strategies for home education
- How to navigate school, exams and other people
- A plan for the future
Becoming a parent package
3 hours of ‘mix and match’ sessions including
- Practical strategies for change
- Anxiety reduction strategies
- Strategies for a low-stress first year, tailored to your lifestyle
- A plan for the future
You are one of the kindest most brilliant people I've ever met. I don't know how I would have settled into scholl without you. I can't thank you enough for your kindness - Year 7 child
How I help
For children and teens
Gentle, child-led sessions to help with:
Featured Included:
- Anxiety, overwhelm, school stress
- Friendship challenges
- Emotional regulation
- Meltdowns, shutdowns, masking
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Neurodivergent needs (ADHD, ASD, PDA)
For parents
Practical, compassionate support to help you understand what your child is experiencing and what they need:
- Parenting strategies
- Reducing conflict at home
- Navigating school systems
- Supporting transitions
- Co-regulation & emotional safety
I can't thank you enough for all your support throughout another tough year - Sarah
How does the therapy work?
- We begin with an initial meeting with parents to understand your child, your concerns, and to design a plan that feels right for your family
- The first session with your child can include you for the first few minutes, helping them feel safe and settled
- Sessions are gentle, practical, and tailored to your child or teenager
- There is no pressure to talk before they are ready
- Therapy may include talking, creative activities such as LEGO, art, drawing, colouring, or simple ball and movement game
- Visualisation, relaxation techniques, and practical coping tools are used where helpful
- We work at your child’s pace, following what feels safest for them
- The focus is on building confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience
How involved am I as a parent?
- We start by working together to create a plan that works for you and your child
- Parents can be present briefly at the start of early sessions if helpful
- There is a planned check-in around the halfway point and again at the end of the agreed block of sessions
- Additional catch-ups can be arranged whenever needed
- You will receive practical tips and strategies to try at home between sessions
- Teenagers are offered appropriate confidentiality, while parents remain informed and supported
Is it confidential?
Everything we discuss is completely confidential and treated with respect and care. You’re free to share as much or as little as you wish — this is your space.
You're the best for helping me deal with life. You're a shield against the mess of the world - Year 11 child
How do I get started?
Just send me an email, I’d love to hear from you. We can start with a 15-minute chat over the phone, by email, or in person, to see whether this is the right fit for your family. There’s no charge for this.
Book a free consultation