Lucy Rutterford - Creative Therapeutic Counselling and Play Therapy
Who I work with
I work with individuals from children aged 4+ to adults. I also have experience in supporting parents to work through challenges in their relationship with their child. I offer a warm, safe therapeutic space in which people can explore, process and work through whatever brings them to therapy. I work integratively, which means that therapy is tailored to each individual's needs.
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Or please get in touch to ask any questions
Children and young people
I work with children from 4 years, older children and young people.
Often parents/carers get in touch after their child has asked for support or because they want their child to have a safe space away from home to work through difficult feelings and experiences. Sometimes parents get in touch after a period of immense stress and it can be a big relief to know that your child is being supported. I also accept referrals from schools - working from my home practice and where parents/carers are able to bring their child for weekly sessions. This can work well for children that are on a part-time school timetable.
Sessions are 1-1 with the child/young person and are confidential. However, an important, integral part of the process in working with children is the initial consultation with the parent and regular reviews. You know your child best and I know how hard and overwhelming parenting can feel sometimes. Particularly in my work with young children, I work collaboratively and in partnership with parents.
I have experience working with a wide range of presenting issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, fears, low self-esteem, difficulties with family relationships and friendships. I have particular experience in working with highly sensitive and neurodivergent children who are struggling with big feelings around change, loss, anger, anxiety and low mood and where a space to explore who they are under the mask feels particularly important.
Creative arts therapy, incorporating time to talk and reflect, can offer valuable support to children moving into adolescence, in adjusting to the increased independence and responsibilities and all the tricky transitions, friendship, and confidence issues this can sometimes bring. In an age of screens and increased pressure, the free, creative and held space can feel especially valuable.
I adapt my approach according to the age, needs and wishes of the child and young people. Every therapeutic process is different and I work with every child/young person at a pace that is manageable for them.
Adults
Adults come to therapy for all kinds of reasons. I work from a perspective that it is very human and normal to struggle when things feel challenging in life. We were never meant to hold it all alone, and yet I know that the decision to get some support can feel a big step and takes some courage, particularly if you haven't experienced therapy before. Sometimes feelings of anxiety, depression, stress or anger can become overwhelming and it can be very hard to cope and make changes from this place on your own. It can be a relief to know there is a space, separate from well-meaning family and friends, where you can safely land each week and for your feelings to be fully heard, accepted and worked through.
Sometimes people come to therapy after a significant change, loss or transition, or because they want and feel ready to look back and work through difficult or traumatic past experiences. Equally, there may be no clear event, and instead more of a sense of feeling persistently stuck or empty, whereby you are no longer sure where you are heading and who you are underneath all the different roles and masks you have in life. Learning to deeply know and care for all parts of you, coming into more connection with your body and your instinct all supports a growing ability to express and be the fullness of who you are.
I work with a range of presenting issues including:
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Anxiety, depression, stress and overwhelm
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Feeling flat, empty, shutdown, numb
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Low self-esteem and self-worth
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Loss and bereavement
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Life transitions and change, including peri/menopause
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Separation and relationship conflict
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Parenting challenges
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Exploring neurodivergence
Sometimes people might come to sessions knowing exactly what they want to focus on and how, but often it may feel too hard to think about this in a contained or organised way initially, other than the need to have someone listen to how distressed you have been feeling. There is no right way to arrive in therapy and no right way to be. We start our work together by starting to explore what has brought you to sessions, in reflective conversation and so your feelings can be fully heard, explored and made sense of over time. We work at a pace that feels right for you, with a collaborative, curious and relational approach.
With a play and creative arts therapy background alongside integrative counselling, I can incorporate a range of approaches. I have particular experience in working with parents through the perspective of being a play therapist and working within schools (and some knowledge of the school system for those navigating EHCPs etc) for several years.
It takes some courage to get in touch and it might be that reading how I work here helps you consider whether what I offer feels a fit. Please get in touch via email lucyfrutterford@gmail.com to book an initial 20 minute free / no-obligation phone call.
Parents
Support for parents
Parenting can sometimes feel challenging and relentless. You love your child/ren and yet sometimes their behaviour can feel so difficult and provoking that family life feels stuck. Balancing home, work and other life demands can feel a very hard juggle indeed. Alongside this, there can often be a contrast with what is posted on social media which can give a (false) impression that other families are sailing through and enjoying life. Social media can also give a barrage of advice, quick fixes and solutions that have left you feeling both confused and doubting yourself and what best to do.
When you are feeling overwhelmed as parents, it can be hard to understand and bring empathy to what your child's behaviour is communicating. Parents often come to me for an initial consultation with a sense of failure, sadness and shame: they just want things to be better and have reached the point where they don't want to go it alone anymore. Whilst I never promise a magic wand, I bring compassion and understanding, and a space for these feelings to be voiced and heard - alongside practical strategies and support. We all make mistakes and no parent is perfect (and being an imperfect parent offers opportunities to work through conflict and relational repair when things have gone wrong which are vital skills for children to learn).
I offer support to parents both as an intrinsic part of the play therapy process and regular reviews together, as well as specific parenting support sessions. I bring my professional training, experience and knowledge alongside my own experience and understanding of parenting.
Understanding your child
Together, we start to explore and bring curiosity to what is going on for your child. What needs and feelings is their behaviour communicating? I bring my knowledge of child development and neuroscience which can help bring understanding and compassion to why both you and your child are struggling. Your child is not the problem and we think together about what you enjoy about your child, bringing attention these qualities too as things to build on. Sometimes having insight into why your child is behaving in this way can create a shift and some space for you to respond differently. Psychoeducation and specific skills in responding to meltdowns, setting boundaries and building self-esteem can be covered.
Child- Parent Relationship Therapy
I am trained to offer the CPRT programme which is a 10-week group course to support parents and carers in strengthening the relationship with their child. It might be that your child is presenting with some emotional or behavioural difficulties and you feel at a bit of a loss and need some support. Or, you might have considered play therapy sessions but aren't sure your child would engage and yet you are still struggling. The aim is to strengthen your relationship and to teach skills that you can use to boost your relationship long term. It can be very powerful to be in a group with other parents and realise that you are not alone in struggling with parenting – far from it. There is a huge sense of relief and community in sharing challenges in a supportive, confidential, and held group space.
Parents/carers learn basic play therapy skills of active listening, how to set effective limits, building self-esteem, giving praise and are supported in being able to complete 30-minute weekly play sessions with their children. I can run this course 1-1 or if there is sufficient interest I will consider running a group course.