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Laura-Jane Swettenham

HPD, DSFH, AfSFH, MNCH (Reg), CNHC (Reg), NBMP (Reg), Motessori Practitioner

Brighton & Online

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

I’m Laura and I have a passion for empowering children to think more positively, value themselves, recognise their strengths and capabilities and to navigate the challenges they might face on the way to reaching their full potential.

In my sessions, I adopt a solution-focused approach, creating a space where I can identify the unique needs of each child or young person, recognising that they are natural learners and the true experts on themselves.

I am deeply passionate about the solution-focused approach because it emphasises positive attributes and behaviours and demonstrates how these qualities can be harnessed to overcome difficulties.

Rather than dwelling on the intricacies of the problem itself, this approach focuses on envisioning a life without the problem, defining specific goals, and developing practical strategies to achieve them. Ultimately, it enables the child or young person to become the expert of their own life and empowers them to make positive changes for their future.

During the initial consultation, I take the time to explain how the brain works in an age-appropriate and child-friendly manner, helping children understand why they might be experiencing certain emotions. This psychoeducational element to my approach supports young people (and parents) in understanding what we can do to make a difference and how to develop more mentally healthy behaviours moving forwards.

I’ll also provide a relaxation recording that your child can listen to before bedtime, which greatly enhances their overall progress throughout the process.

In addition to training in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy, I have dedicated over 20 years of my career working with children and teenagers and providing care and support to families.

In 2000, I embarked on a journey as a Montessori practitioner, where I witnessed first-hand the incredible concept that children are innately capable of educating themselves, progressing at their own pace, and developing a can-do attitude.

The intricacies of their thoughts, experiences, and the inner workings of their minds fascinated me. I became deeply intrigued by how their developmental characteristics evolve over time and how freedom and creativity unlock their boundless potential.

I made the decision to leave the teaching profession after a decade to explore how I could further support families and guide children’s emotional and social needs while fostering trust and security. This endeavour provided me with the opportunity to directly assist families facing various challenges, such as emotionally-based school avoidance, anxiety, autism, ADHD, divorce, OCD, grief, and gender identity.

As a proud member of The Youth Fairy Team based in East Brighton and online, I am fully insured and hold an Enhanced DBS certificate for added peace of mind.

Moreover, I am an active member of the following respected professional bodies: