Claire Cotgrove Therapy
Integrative therapy for children and teenagers aged 5 to 18, in person in SW London and online across the UK.
Registered Member MBACP
About me
I'm a qualified integrative therapist specialising in children and teenagers aged 5 to 18, offering one-to-one sessions face to face in SW London and online across the UK.
Every parent hopes their child will thrive and reach their full potential. Yet life's challenges, such as trauma, family changes, loss, neurodivergence or the pressures of school, can sometimes leave children and adolescents feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to cope. Often these difficulties are complex and not easily understood, even by the child or those caring for them.
Seeking support can make a real difference. Therapy offers a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where children can explore their feelings, make sense of their experiences and develop healthy ways of coping. It also helps them build resilience and find positive ways through life's challenges.
My approach
My practice is person-centred and integrative. I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including play, creative, narrative and talking-based methods, tailored to each individual's needs and informed by an understanding of attachment, development and the wider systems around them.
Through play and creativity, and by building a trusting relationship, I aim to help each young person make sense of their experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable. I believe that feeling heard, seen and understood within a secure therapeutic relationship can strengthen resilience and support positive mental health into adulthood.
I adapt my approach to suit each client. Talking about emotions can feel daunting, especially for younger children who may not yet have the words to express themselves. Games, art and other creative tools can help them feel at ease and communicate more freely.
At the heart of my work is a safe, supportive relationship where clients feel comfortable exploring their emotions at their own pace.
How I work
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A free 30-minute call
We start with a phone call, just you and me. Tell me about your child, what's happening and why now feels like the right time to explore counselling. Ask me anything else you'd like to know about my counselling experience and my therapeutic practice.
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Assessment
I will meet with you and your child in person to identify their strengths and difficulties and explore whether one-to-one counselling is the most appropriate intervention for your child at this time. We'll also think together about whether sessions in person or online would suit your child better.
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Finding a regular time
If it feels like a good fit, I usually offer 10 to 20 sessions, decided on a case-by-case basis. We agree a day and time that stays the same each week. Keeping it consistent helps your child know what to expect.
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Weekly sessions
Each session lasts 50 minutes. At the outset, we will discuss possible therapeutic goals that your child may wish to work towards in the sessions. Many children find it easier to show than to tell, so in person there are art materials, clay, a sand tray, games and toys to use. Online sessions use a shared whiteboard, a digital sand tray and games suited to your child's age.
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Reviews
In session 6, your child and I will chat about how the sessions are going and if they feel like they are moving towards the therapeutic goals discussed at the start of the work. At this stage, I will also chat with you as their parent or carer to find out how things are going at home and to decide on the next steps: whether sessions should finish at ten or be extended. If extended, reviews will take place regularly to establish the most appropriate time to end, on or before 20 weeks.
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Endings
As we approach the end of the counselling sessions, I will work with your child to prepare them for a smooth transition. Together we will reflect on their experience in therapy, how they were at the start and how they are at the end. We can celebrate their progress and acknowledge that there may still be difficulties. We may also explore resources they can draw on moving forward and discuss ways to support their wellbeing beyond our sessions.
What I help with
I have experience in the following areas:
Feelings and mood
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Emotional regulation
- Low mood
- Low self-esteem
- Self-harm
- Suicidal thoughts
Family, friends and school
- Academic and exam pressure
- Bullying
- Family conflict
- Friendship difficulties
- Loneliness
Loss and trauma
- Abuse
- Bereavement and loss
- Domestic violence
Identity and neurodivergence
- ADHD
- Autism
- Gender identity
- Sexuality
Training and experience
I have over seven years’ experience working as a counsellor in primary and secondary schools across southwest London. Alongside my private practice, I continue to work within primary school settings, providing individual therapeutic support to children and working collaboratively with their families and school staff to ensure a supportive and consistent approach to their emotional wellbeing.
As a parent of three young adults, I also bring a personal understanding of the complexities of family life, together with an appreciation of the challenges and rewards that accompany each stage of growing up.
- Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children and Young People, University of East London.
- Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), following the BACP Ethical Framework.
- Fully DBS checked, with professional indemnity insurance.
- Regular clinical supervision with a UKCP-accredited supervisor.
Questions parents ask
What ages do you work with?
I work with children and teenagers from age 5 up to 18.
What do you tell me about my child's sessions?
Counselling sessions offer a confidential space for children and young people so they can speak openly. As the work progresses, if appropriate, I may share general themes from the work rather than specific details. The one exception is safeguarding. There are clear limits to confidentiality where there are concerns about a child's safety or the safety of others. In these situations, I will follow safeguarding procedures and share information with appropriate professionals.
What about safeguarding?
I am trained and experienced in identifying and appropriately managing safeguarding issues. I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework (2018) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2026).
Do you work in person or online?
Both. Face-to-face sessions are in southwest London, and online sessions are available across the UK.
How much does it cost?
Fees are discussed during our initial 30-minute consultation phone call, which is free of charge. The initial assessment and individual counselling sessions are offered on a sliding scale of £80 to £100 an hour.
Contact
If you'd like to book a free 30-minute call, or have a question first, please email me at claire@clairecotgrovetherapy.co.uk.
