Washington, Coleen (Dr.)

About

❇️ As an Educational and Child Psychologist, I specialise in supporting children and young people’s learning, social and emotional development and well-being. I work with schools, families and other professionals to understand possible barriers within a child’s educational journey and identify what might help. I work with young people aged between 0-25.

❇️ School staff or parents typically seek support from an Educational and Child Psychologist when a child or young person is experiencing significant difficulties in school, whether that be around learning, social interaction or emotional well-being.

❇️ Within my work I use a mix of observation, discussion/consultation, direct assessment and play to understand a child’s needs. I take a holistic approach, ensuring children and young people remain at the centre of my work, prioritising their voice.

❇️ I can support with identifying possible additional learning needs and barriers to learning. This type of work would typically involve consultation with parents and school staff and direct assessment with young people. This can be at the early stages of identifying a child’s special educational needs, or to provide an up to date picture of a child’s special educational needs, for example, as part of a review for an Education Health and Care Plan.

❇️ I offer therapeutic support and intervention to children and young people who are experiencing difficulties with emotional expression and regulation, high levels of anxiety or who are struggling to attend school/college. This type of work would typically involve a consultation with school staff and parents, then ongoing individual work with the child or young person.

❇️ My work not only focuses on the child, but includes working with families, teachers and other professionals to ensure those working directly with children and young people are supported emotionally and through appropriate training, for example, teacher supervision.