About me

• I trained at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE).
• I have an MA in Integrative Child Psychotherapy from IATE (validated by the University of East London).
• I’ve worked in a variety of settings including the national health service, schools and in private practice.
• Currently I work in private practice full time. Prior to this, I worked in a large secondary school as a school counsellor. For six years I worked in a specialist CAMHS team with children in care.
• I’m a UKCP-registered Child Psychotherapist and a registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
• I hold current DBS certificates.
• Since 2011 I’ve been a clinical supervisor for IATE’s 2-year Diploma in Child Counselling Course.

My approach

I draw on my Integrative training in the way I work. This training gave me a broad theoretical foundation in psychodynamic theory including the attachment theoretical framework and on Winnicott’s contribution to an understanding of child development and therapy, on neuroscience and on person-centred approaches to therapy.

My training also informed my current practice in using the arts and play with children and teenagers. The arts and play offer a rich way of exploring their inner world which may not be easily put into words.

Through a variety of other training programmes and CPD I can also utilise systemic theory and practice, Theraplay, CBT and filial therapy where relevant in working with clients.

Building on this foundation I’ve developed a wide range of therapeutic approaches with children and their carers which are very much tailored to the individual.

Working together

I firmly believe that, irrespective of the model of therapy, it’s the relationship between client and therapist that is key to the outcome. This is borne out by research. Together as therapist and client we forge a working alliance that can be helpful, whether we work with words, play, paint, movement or music.

When a child is going through a difficult time, for whatever reason, the best and most effective therapeutic intervention often involves working closely with their parents/carers and sometimes with other professionals too.

Sometimes, the most appropriate intervention is to work solely with the parents/carers.

Get in touch

My practice is in Hove within easy reach of public transport. To make an appointment or for further information, please contact me via email at info@alexpaynetherapy.co.uk or give me a call on 07940 720850. If I’m not available when you call, please leave a message with your phone number and times when I can call you back.