My Experience & Qualifications

Clare's Background and Experience

For over 20 years, I’ve supported young people and their families through complex emotional challenges — always with a focus on building trust, understanding, and real-life change.

I began my career as a social worker, working in teams supporting disabled children and in fostering and adoption services. I trained and supported carers, delivered safeguarding training, and worked closely with families navigating systems that often felt overwhelming or hard to access.

I’ve always had a deep interest in neurodiversity. Both my undergraduate and Master’s research focused on autism and ADHD, and I’ve spent many years working one-to-one with neurodivergent young people — especially those struggling with anxiety, identity, and feeling misunderstood.

In the charity sector, I advocated for families of children with rare and life-limiting conditions, and trained volunteers to support vulnerable families with young children. I’ve also worked as a Support Worker for The Children’s Society, helping young people with disabilities, including autism, to feel more confident and connected in their daily lives.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked alongside professionals in health, education, and social care — but my heart has always been in relational, emotionally-attuned support. I bring all of this experience into the work I do now, helping parents and teenagers feel seen, supported, and better equipped to navigate the teenage years.

Work History

Teenage Anxiety Specialist (2008-Present)
Family Friends – Windsor and Maidenhead (2012-2017)
Reading Borough Council – Social Worker (2006-2012)
The MPS Society – Senior Advocacy Support Worker (2004-2006)
Slough Borough Council – Social Worker (2001-2004)

Fully DBS Checked
Published Author
Therapist and Parent Educator

Qualifications

Masters in Social Work – University of Reading (1999-2001)
BA (Hons) Social Policy – University of Nottingham (1996-1999)
Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England
Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy; Psychotherapy
The Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training
Diploma in Reflexology and Meridian Therapy
The International Academy of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy

CPD Courses

Working with Young People and Teenagers Age 10-25 using Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
Diversity Training – Gender and Sexuality
The Enigma of Adolescent Sleep: Misunderstood Science and Effective Intervention – The Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Safeguarding, Safety Planning, Assessing and Managing Risk when Working with Vulnerable Young People Aged 10-25 years
Working with Children and Young Adults with Challenging Behaviour
The Science of ADHD Navigating Neurodiversity in a Neurotypical World
ACAMH – Autism and Anxiety
ACAMH – The Profile of Abilities in Autistic Girls
Masterclass – Therapy for Autistic Girls and Women
Emotion Management for Autistic Children and Adolescents
Autism, ADHD and Executive Function

"Before I went to see Clare I got very anxious about daily life and the things I did on a day to day basis. As soon as I started my sessions with Clare I felt like I was in a very comfortable and safe space and like I could share anything about my thoughts and what I was worried about. The techniques I was taught helped me from the start, with sleeping better all the way to feeling more confident about myself. Seeing Clare has had a very positive outcome for me and I can’t thank her enough for how much she has helped me."

Ready to take the next step?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. It starts by getting in touch.

Whether you’re looking for support for your teenager, or you’re a parent who needs space to explore your own experience, I offer an initial call where we can talk through what’s going on. I’ll explain how I work with both teens and parents, and you’ll have space to ask any questions.

There’s no pressure—just the opportunity to explore what support feels right for you and your family.