Gemma is part of the TouchBase therapy and education teams to support trauma recovery. Gemma works on the therapy team providing individual psychotherapy to children and young adults, as well as Dyadic Developmental informed Psychotherapy (DDP) to parents and carers. Gemma works on the education team where she creates Seguridad interventions, as well as holding Reflective Space to individuals and groups. Gemma also supports the Circle of Security program.

Gemma is a qualified Integrative Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist (MBACP reg.). She trained at The Institute for Arts and Therapy in Education (IATE) where her training utilised a range of neuroscientific and psychotherapeutic theory. Embedded in Gemma’s training was utilising creative media including the use of sand play, art and storytelling, in her practice. She has training specialising in the many aspects of fostering and adoption support required for both children and their parents/carers including Dyadic Developmental Practice (DDP), a unique form of attachment-focused therapy based on the principles of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy). She has additional Theraplay® training and uses Theraplay® principles in all her work.

Before training as a Psychotherapist Gemma worked as a Primary School Teacher in schools for 12 years. Whilst working in this capacity she held various management roles including being Key Stage One lead. Gemma is very adept at working alongside parents, carers, teachers, teaching assistants, Individual Needs Assistants, SENDCOs and other professionals, to provide a positive and nurturing environment for children. Gemma values the team around the child, recognising the significance adults play in supporting trauma recovery. Gemma knows the benefit in empowering the adults around a child to understand the importance of them as a secure base for children to feel safe thus explore the world with confidence.

Gemma is highly compassionate, and she prides herself in providing a safe and contained therapeutic space whereby young people and adults are supported to understand, accept and process life experiences, as well as be curious about the way things are now in relation to these, particularly where these involve trauma and loss. Gemma believes that it is in the context of relationships with others that children experience and learn their sense of self and self-regulation. She is passionate that every child should be given the opportunity to be in safe, fulfilling relationships to know their value and worth in the world.

Gemma’s 20 years’ experience of working with children and their families has given her a strong foundation to understand children’s needs and the conditions that enable them to achieve their full potential and thrive. At the heart of all of Gemma’s support is putting the young person at the centre and to help those who care for them to do this through an attachment aware and trauma informed lens (AATI). Gemma believes that life experiences should be accepted with empathy and that it is in connecting with others that we heal and grow.

For more information on support from Gemma contact info@touchbase.org.uk