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I offer flexible appointment times throughout the year, including during school holidays.

Any planned absence is communicated well in advance to parents/guardians and clients.

Sessions take place in a confidential, safe and accessible therapy room within a healthcare setting in the Alnwick area.

Full details are provided at the point of referral.

My chosen name is Pip Gibb-Kirk (she/her) and I am an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor working with children and young people aged 4–18 years.

I offer in-person counselling in a calm, inclusive and confidential space in Alnwick, Northumberland. My approach is person-centred, trauma-informed and relational.

Being integrative means I draw upon different therapeutic models to suit each individual — combining talking therapy with creative and sensory approaches such as art, play, craft and working with natural materials like clay. Each young person has a choice in how they work and the pace at which they explore their experiences.

I see therapy as a collaborative process where the young person is the expert in their own story and I am a facilitator. Together we create the conditions to explore and accept their developing sense of self and bring about positive change, whilst respecting their right to autonomy.

I have over 16 years’ experience supporting children and young people in education, children’s services, special educational needs and as a safeguarding professional in sport.

I have a strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice. I offer flexibility and inclusion in therapy, where diversity is celebrated and individuality respected.

I aim to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all children and young people. I work affirmatively with clients from diverse backgrounds, family structures and identities, including those who are neurodivergent, care-experienced, disabled or LGBTQ+.

I uphold the Íø±¬ÃÅ Ethical Framework and the Equality Act 2010, ensuring dignity, respect and fairness for every client.

I don’t believe in 'one size fits all coping strategies', therapy is about finding what works for the young person, it's never as easy as just counting to ten.

I welcome enquiries from parents, carers, schools and other professionals.

You can find more details and resources on my website www.applepipp.com

Parents and guardians play a vital role in the therapeutic process. I offer an initial intake session with both the young person and their parent/guardian to explore goals, expectations and the therapy contract (including confidentiality and safeguarding).

Therapy usually follows a 10-week model, with a review at week five to plan next steps or a supported ending. All therapy plans are developed collaboratively with the young person and reviewed with the parent/guardian as appropriate.

Parents/guardians are asked to remain on site during sessions for safeguarding reasons, with facilities available in the waiting area.

Should the therapy be extended to longer term this arrangement can be reviewed as therapy progresses, according to the age and needs of the client where there is an assessment of risk and written consent.