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Sophie Hastings Child & Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapist London N5Sophie Hastings:

Child & Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapist (MBACP)

Hi, my name is Sophie Hastings, and I am a qualified child and adolescent psychotherapist specialising in work with young people aged 11-25, as well as their parents. In my private practice, I see clients face-to-face at the Highbury Fields branch of HQ Therapy Rooms, and I also offer online sessions.

Common themes that arise in my work are parental separation and divorce, bullying, self-harm and suicidal ideation, friendship and relationship issues, social isolation, sexuality, identity, race, abuse, loss of motivation, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, Autism and ADHD (diagnosed and undiagnosed).

Major transitions such as moving house, changing school, going to university or making decisions about the future can also be unexpectedly fraught. The internal drama of adolescence (which continues well into the twenties) and its impact on parents, siblings and the wider family, is often overlooked or misunderstood. Probably because it can be complicated, painful and hard to think about.

My job is to help young people and/or their parents untangle their complex emotional lives as well as to manage the demands of the external world. The goal is not to ‘fix’ someone, but to enable them to share their thoughts and feelings and to begin to take responsibility for themselves as they navigate the notoriously demanding voyage from childhood through adolescence into early adulthood.

My approach is psychodynamic, meaning that we think about the past as well as the present, paying attention to a person’s inner life and helping them to access and explore the causes of their difficulties. This exploration can only happen once we have established a trusting therapeutic relationship. I listen to my clients with a quality of thoughtfulness and attention that makes them feel genuinely heard, contained and understood.

Sometimes, it can be of more help to the family for the parent(s) or carer(s) to have therapeutic support, and I am passionate about the importance of parent work.

If my client is under 18, I will meet parents/carers for regular review sessions (while maintaining confidentiality). Over 18s can attend autonomously if they choose. When parents/carers request therapy for themselves, I work with them, not their child, but I can help them find another therapist when needed.

I have several years’ experience as a counsellor in primary & secondary schools and 6th forms across London, and I now work at the Brent Centre for Young People as a psychotherapist. My 5-year training began with the MA/PGDip in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies at the Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust, followed by the MSc in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Children & Adolescents at Birkbeck, University of London.

I am a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and abide by their code of ethics.

If you would like to book a free 15-minute consultation or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me (see below).

 

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

Sophie Hastings – Working Hours

Monday – to be determined

Tuesday – to be determined

Wednesday – 17:00 – 22:00

Thursday – to be determined

Friday – to be determined

Contact Details

Sophie Hastings, Child & Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, can be reached using the following:
Email: [email protected]

Offers client Sessions In Languages Other Than English

– I have a working knowledge of French and can communicate with parents if French is their only language.

Clients Sophie Hastings Works With

Client Issues Sophie Deals With

Autism thumb

Autism

Finding ways to manage your life in a way that is healthy for you.

Motivational Therapy thumb

Motivation

Helping you set and achieve the goals that are important to you.

Panic Attacks, Anxiety and Depression thumb

Stress, Panic Attacks, Anxiety & Depression

Help wellbeing & day-to-day functioning.

Attachment Issues thumb

Attachment-Based Issues

Identifying past attachment patterns & developing new healthier attachment skills.

Bullying thumb

Bullying

A repeated characteristic pattern of behaviour directed towards it's victims.

Eating Disorders thumb

Eating Disorders

When your relationship to food is complicated or beyond your control.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD thumb

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Helping you to rebuild a sense of safety.

Cultural Issues of Identity and Belonging thumb

Cultural Issues of Identity & Belonging

Helping cultural identity & diversity issues.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD thumb

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Helping overcome behavioural patterns.

Life Transitions thumb

Life Transitions

Dealing with important changes or adjustments in your life that impact you.

Childhood Trauma and PTSD thumb

Childhood Trauma & PTSD

Helping overcome ongoing adverse events experienced as a child.

Trauma thumb

Trauma

Helping you to talk openly & receive support about your traumatic experience.

Anger Management thumb

Anger Management

Managing the symptoms of your anger issues & controlling your reactions.

Body Image Issues thumb

Body Image Issues

A negative or unhealthy body image can be distressing in your daily life.

LGBTQIA+ Therapy & Counselling thumb

Sexual Orientation (LGBTQIA+)

Helping you support your gender, romantic or sexual identity issues.

Family and Work Conflicts thumb

Work & Family Conflict Issues

Seeking resolution through short-term goal-oriented forms of counselling.

Self-Harm thumb

Self-Harm

Helping people work on expressing their feelings in a more positive way.

Bereavement and Grief thumb

Bereavement, Grief & Loss

Supporting you through grief & adjusting to a new life.

Relationship therapy and counselling thumb

Relationships

Exploring feelings about current & past relationships, or relationships in general.

Gender & Identity Issues thumb

Gender Identity Issues

Giving you a safe space to explore & express your feelings without judgement.

Lack of Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence thumb

Low Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence

Explore the roots of your low self-esteem issues & address your current symptoms.

Substance Abuse and Addiction thumb

Substance Abuse & Addiction

Helping you to explore the underlying causes of your addiction issues.

Loneliness thumb

Loneliness

Explores the emotional & psychological issues that might lead to isolation.

Therapy Modalities Sophie uses With Clients

Sophie Hastings: Training and Qualifications

– MA/PGDip in Psychoanalytic Observational Studies (M7), The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents, Birkbeck College, University of London

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Seek Therapy?

Many people, new to this type of help, believe that they need to be suffering from “mental illness” or serious “psychological problems”, or be in crisis in order for therapy and counselling to be appropriate for them. This is a common misconception; anyone can benefit from therapy when it comes to helping you deal with your personal feelings and problems, make positive changes in your life, and understand yourself better.

So what is therapy and counselling? If you’re new to this world then the first steps can sometimes be the most difficult. Therapy can be a very effective treatment for a whole range of personal problems covering areas from physical and emotional problems, different types of behavioural disorders, through to human sexuality issues and a host of wellbeing and complementary therapy techniques.

Any problem you have that is causing you concern, anxiety or distress is a valid and appropriate reason to reach out and find a therapist and talk to them about it. Far from something to be ashamed of, acknowledging your vulnerability and asking for help is a sign of maturity and strength.

If you feel that you have a desire and are committed to making changes in your life in order to overcome your current problems and achieve more long-term satisfaction, psychological wellbeing and personal fulfilment, then you are ready to seek therapy. We are here to help you work through a wide range of therapy issues that might be troubling you.

Will Information About Me Be Safe & Secure?

It is quite normal to be hesitant when it comes to sharing private and intimate information about yourself with a stranger. You may fear that you will receive judgment from your therapist, or that your therapist will share your details with others.

HQ Therapy Rooms takes your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. Our therapists are required to keep everything said in therapy sessions between you, just like your doctor is required to keep your records private.

For therapy to be effective, there must be unconditional trust built between you and your therapist, and this relies on a shared understanding of confidentiality. It applies to the outside world as well: it is standard practice for therapists not to acknowledge their clients if they run into them outside of the therapy rooms in order to help protect their client’s confidentiality. Read our full privacy policy for more information.

Can I Contact You For Advice About Getting Therapy?

Talking about your thoughts and feelings with a supportive therapist can often make you feel better and help you face your problems. It feels good to be listened to and to know that someone cares about you and wants to help. It is important that you find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can build a trusting relationship to help you make positive changes in your life.

But how do you know what type of therapy is right for you? Taking the first steps in finding the right therapist can be the biggest hurdle for newcomers, so we have made it easy. Simply fill out the form below in confidence, and one of our fully qualified referral therapists can work with you to make sure you connect with the right practitioner and receive the correct therapy and counselling services you require.

Our practitioners deal with a wide range of therapy issues using different types of therapy modalities tailored for the types of clients we work with. We also cater for people who are beset with financial difficulties, offering them services ranging from low-cost therapy and reduced rate therapy, to working with seasoned, qualified and accredited talking therapists.