INTEGRATIVE THERAPY FOR
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE (aged 3+)
East London / Essex / Online
"Every child deserves to feel seen.
Every parent deserves to feel supported.
Therapy can be a space for both.”
Hi, I’m Alex Wilding,
a BACP Child Arts Counsellor.
I’ve been supporting children and young people for over 15 years, across schools, charities, and in private practice. In that time, the world has changed fast, and I believe now more than ever, young people need spaces where they can express themselves freely and without fear of judgement.
I’ve built my practice to offer exactly that: a comfortable, creative, and child-centred space where thoughts, feelings, and identity can be explored at their own pace.
I work integratively, using the arts, including paint, clay, music, drama, play, creative writing, photography, sandtray and more. I use the arts to help each child find their own way to connect and grow.
You can read more about my background and approach below.
Who I work with
I support children and young people aged 3–16 who may be experiencing:
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Anxiety or overwhelm
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Bereavement or separation
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Neurodiversity (e.g. autism, ADHD)
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Stress, bullying, or low self-esteem
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Emotional regulation difficulties
I also have a special interest in working with children who are Highly Sensitive (sometimes known as HSP), and may feel things more deeply than others around them.
Whatever your child is facing, please do enquire.
If I’m not the right fit, I share a practice with trusted colleagues and can help guide you toward the right support.
About Me
Alex Wilding BSc, MSc, MBPsS
Child Counsellor (BACP) | Art Therapy Specialist | MSc Psychology
I'm a qualified, DBS checked Child Counsellor with a specialism in Art Therapy, I trained at The Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE), in London. I believe therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy or clinical. When young people are given the chance to express themselves creatively, through images, symbols, metaphor, or simply play, a lot can begin to shift. It’s often through this kind of unfolding that insight, growth, and transformation can happen.
I hold an MSc in Psychology from the University of East London, where I focused my research on supporting children with emotional difficulties. I’m a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and also a published academic.
Before training as a counsellor, I worked as a filmmaker and video editor, and I still enjoy making documentaries in my spare time. I’ve also run startups, and mentored young aspiring entrepreneurs, something I continue to offer alongside my counselling work.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked with children and young people in a wide range of settings, from private and state schools to pupil referral units, charities and in private practice. My approach is compassionate, child-centred, and non-judgemental.
I do my best to see the world through the eyes of the young person in front of me. I know what it’s like to find things difficult growing up, and my work is rooted in offering the kind of support I wish I’d had then.
Here are some of the theories/methods I apply to my work:
Attachment Theory | Gestalt | Transactional Analysis | Art Therapy | 5 Rhythms | Donald Winnicott | Carl Rogers | Sigmund Freud | Carl Jung | Fritz Perls | Margot Sunderland | Neuroscience.
I attend regular professional supervision and career development sessions, where I reflect on my work, to ensure I’m practicing ethically, and continuing to grow as a practicioner in service of my clients. I work in line with the BACP Ethical Framework, which outlines the professional values and standards I uphold in my practice.
Client Testimonials
“Everything was new for him, the country, the school, everything. I think having that weekly time with Alex really helped him feel safer and more settled.”
Yusuf
Parent of an 8 year old boy
“My son was so angry with me about changing schools. These sessions helped him to get in touch with what was underneath the anger."
Emma
Parent of a 9 year old boy
"Alex really listened to me and my problems. I liked that I could draw or just be quiet too."
Shaniya
13 year old girl
"My daughter was so shut down before starting with Alex, but she’s starting to play with me again and I'm so relieved."
Sophie
Parent of a 4 year old girl
Location
My practice is based at postcode: IG4 5EY
(Redbridge Lane East) See map.
A 5 minute walk from Redbridge station (Central line) and within a 20-minute drive of:
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Woodford & South Woodford
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Snaresbrook, Wanstead, Chigwell
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Leytonstone, Stratford, East Ham
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Ilford, Gants Hill, Barkingside
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and nearby areas
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There is free parking and a waiting area for parents/carers with complimentary tea/coffee and wi-fi.
*Please note, if you require for your child to be seen in a different area of London, do still get in touch, as I may be able to accomodate this with a different therapy room, or refer you to a colleague.