Question 1

What is EBSA?

Accepted Answer

EBSA stands for Emotionally Based School Avoidance. It describes a young person who struggles to attend school because of anxiety or emotional distress rather than choice. It is not truancy, and most young people experiencing it genuinely want to be in school.

Question 2

Who are the sessions for?

Accepted Answer

My teen group sessions are for young people aged 11–18 experiencing anxiety or difficulty attending school or coping with life in general. Parent support is for the parents and carers around them. I also work with schools and professionals supporting a family.

Question 3

How long does support last?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what's happening. Sessions are once a week for 10 weeks - don't worry if you miss a week; I'll catch you up. After the 10 weeks, for a small monthly fee, you can join the  WTAFL Aftercare Club. This is for families who have completed the 10-week programme. You can hang around as long as you need to with Monthly webinars, drop-in sessions and catch-ups. There is a separate drop-in session for the young person and I fully encourage them to come along

Question 4

How long are the group sessions?

Accepted Answer

Group sessions run for between an hour and an hour and a half. The parent sessions are an hour and a half long, and I will run over if a session needs it. The young person sessions are similar — the first few usually last between an hour and an hour and 15 minutes, and by the end of the ten weeks they tend to run to about an hour and a half. Exactly how long depends on the session and on how well your young person engages.

Question 5

How long are the one-to-one sessions?

Accepted Answer

These run once a week for 10 weeks, and each session takes about an hour and 15 minutes. They're one-to-one, and that hour breaks down into roughly 30 minutes with your young person, around 30 minutes with you as a parent or carer, and then 15 minutes at the end where your young person, you and I come together and talk through what we've covered in the session. That full transparency is how I help families who are very much stuck move forward.

Question 6

Can I have two or more children on the same programme?

Accepted Answer

No — each session is for one child. If you have two children who need support, a second child or sibling can be added at a discounted rate. I would always advise that the children do not attend the same session.

Question 7

Are the sessions suitable for neurodivergent children?

Accepted Answer

100% yes. These sessions are designed with neurodivergent young people in mind, and they are interactive for that reason. Neurotypical children are welcomed just the same — the programme is inclusive for everyone.

Question 8

Can schools refer families?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Schools, SENDCOs, pastoral teams, local authorities and healthcare professionals are welcome to refer or signpost families to me. I'm happy to talk through how joint working would look.

Question 9

Do you work online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parent support and consultations are  delivered fully on online, which many families find easier to fit around work and school meetings. Teen group sessions run in a format that suits the group and are fully interactive . Your young person can type or talk during the sessions with cameras on or off - However, eventually most children eventually end up on camera. It's part of the process but its not essential.

Question 10

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Send me an enquiry through the contact form with a little information about your child's situation. I'll be in touch to arrange an initial consultation and explain the options.

Question 11

Can my young person attend along side other therapy

Accepted Answer

Waiting lists are long, and families often feel stuck in the meantime. WTAFL support isn't a replacement for CAMHS or NHS therapy, but it can give you practical things to try now —I do not recommend your young person attending two different therapies side by side.

Question 12

Do you provide medical advice?

Accepted Answer

No. I provide practical, non-clinical guidance and support. I do not replace advice from your GP, CAMHS or another medical or mental health professional, though I can help you prepare for those conversations. If after consultation I am not able to support on a coaching level I do have the names of some fabulous counsellors.

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