Vanessa Olney

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

Harpenden, St Albans & Online

“Worrying is like a rocking chair – it gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere.” Erma Bombeck

I’m Vanessa and I’ve always had an interest in working with young people, understanding how they develop and observing how they react and engage in the world.

Before training as a therapist, I spent 10 years working in the early years sector and it was during this time that I developed an interest in neuroscience and understanding how the brain develops, from happy go lucky little humans through the transition of teenage years into adulthood.

Whilst studying psychotherapy, I learned how we are at risk of being hijacked by anxiety, stress, anger and depression and how, if left untreated, this can lead to stressful school and family life. So it’s incredibly rewarding being able to support the mental health and wellbeing of children, their families and teachers, as part of the Youth Fairy team; helping them to overcome challenges and build a long-lasting resilient, positive mindset.

I work with young people from 5 – 19 years, have experience working with individuals and groups and I’m experienced at personalising sessions by incorporating interests and favourite things into the conversations. I’m also able to support children with additional needs and Neurodiversity.

I’m super passionate about the solution focused approach to therapy, which means we work towards preferred outcomes, rather than having to focus excessively on past problems or trauma. We concentrate on reducing anxiety, stress and negative self talk in the present and learn tools to cope more easily with stressful situations in the future, building up confidence, self esteem and resilience in the process.

Before a young person decides if I am the right fit to help them, I offer a 1 hour initial consultation so you and your child have the opportunity to meet me, discuss best hopes and understand what to expect. I’ll also include a helpful explanation of the brain (in an age-appropriate way), how it works to create their specific problems and associated feelings, behaviours or symptoms and what we can do to turn things around.

I am compassionate and dedicated to providing exceptional care, devising creative treatment plans that deal with a whole range of issues and I have great interpersonal skills which allow me to engage easily with my young clients. I am dedicated to optimum care, client confidentiality and bound by all the ethical codes of conduct within my therapeutic field.

I’m fully insured, have an up-to-date Enhanced DBS certificate and a member of the following professional bodies:

• National Board for Modern Psychotherapy (NBMP)
• Association For Solutions Focused Hypnotherapy (AFSFH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)
• Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)

I currently live in Harpenden, Hertfordshire with my two teenage boys, and Malibu our cat. My solution focused training certainly helps me navigate my way through parenting!

I have a love to travel to destinations near and far. Especially the French Alps, skiing, hiking, and swimming in the lakes. I’m often found in the gym, doing yoga or putting another mile on my running shoes. My love of the outdoor life also makes me the proud owner of an award-winning allotment.

I take great pleasure meeting new people and feel so lucky to have found a role in which I can make a difference to a young person understanding who they are and finding their value and happiness in life.