the thrive approach
I offer The Thrive Approach, a highly effective, evidence-based framework designed to support the emotional and social development of children and young people. Grounded in neuroscience and attachment theory, Thrive helps children build resilience, regulate their emotions, and develop healthy relationships by providing the right support at the right time.
How The Thrive Approach Can Help
Many children face emotional challenges due to early trauma, unmet needs, or difficulties in forming secure attachments. The Thrive Approach provides tailored interventions that:
- Support emotional and social well-being
- Help children regulate emotions and manage behaviour
- Strengthen relationships and attachment bonds
- Build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness
- Improve learning and engagement in education and social settings
What to Expect
The Thrive Approach is based on understanding each child’s developmental needs and providing targeted support. The process includes:
- Assessment & Understanding – Using Thrive’s assessment tools to identify emotional needs and developmental gaps.
- Personalised Support Plan – Creating a tailored action plan with strategies and activities to meet the child’s needs.
- Engaging Activities – Using play, creative arts, and relational experiences to support emotional regulation and growth.
- Building Resilience – Helping the child develop the skills to navigate challenges and build positive relationships.
Who Can Benefit?
The Thrive Approach is suitable for:
- Children and young people struggling with emotional regulation
- Those who have experienced trauma, loss, or attachment difficulties
- Children in education or care settings who need additional emotional support
- Parents, carers, and professionals seeking a structured way to support a child’s well-being
As an experienced counsellor and therapeutic practitioner, I integrate the Thrive Approach into my work to create a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can grow emotionally and socially.
If you would like to learn more about how The Thrive Approach can support a child or young person in your care, please feel free to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
“When my son first started with Sharon, he was really struggling to manage his emotions. He would get overwhelmed very easily, and I didn’t know how to help him. Through The Thrive Approach, Sharon gave him the support he needed to understand and cope with his feelings — and she also showed me new ways of being with him at home. It made such a difference. He’s much calmer now and can talk about how he feels. We’re so grateful for the support we received as a family.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is The Thrive Approach?
The Thrive Approach is a structured, evidence-based way of supporting children and young people’s emotional development, helping them become more resilient, confident, and able to engage with life and learning.
2. Who is The Thrive Approach for?
It is designed for children and young people of all ages, whether they are struggling with specific emotional needs or simply looking to build healthy social and emotional skills.
3. How does Thrive work?
Thrive practitioners assess a child’s emotional development and create tailored action plans using play, creativity, and relational activities. The focus is on meeting emotional needs at the right developmental stage to support wellbeing and growth.
4. What kinds of issues can Thrive help with?
Thrive can help with anxiety, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, emotional regulation, and challenges linked to past trauma or disrupted development.
5. What happens in a Thrive session?
Each session is carefully planned around the child or young person’s needs. Activities might include creative arts, role-play, storytelling, sensory play, or discussions — always in a supportive, relational environment.
6. How long does Thrive support last?
This depends on the individual. Some children benefit from short-term intervention, while others may need longer-term support. Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure it meets the child’s needs.
7. How is progress measured?
We use the Thrive-Online™ assessment tool to track emotional development, identify needs, and review growth over time. Regular reviews help shape ongoing support.
8. Is Thrive just for children who are struggling?
No — Thrive is for every child. It supports emotional and social skills development, helping all young people build resilience, empathy, and healthy relationships.
9. How is Thrive different from counselling or therapy?
While both support emotional wellbeing, Thrive is specifically focused on developmental needs and uses targeted relational activities rather than talking therapy alone. It’s often playful and creative, meeting children where they are emotionally.
10. Can Thrive be delivered online?
While Thrive is typically most effective in person, some elements can be adapted for online delivery, depending on the child’s needs and circumstances.
11. Do parents or carers get involved in the Thrive process?
Absolutely. Parent and carer involvement is often key to a child’s emotional development. I work collaboratively with families to ensure the support is joined up and meaningful.
12. What qualifications do you have in The Thrive Approach?
I am a Licensed Thrive Practitioner and course leader, trained to assess, plan, and deliver Thrive sessions in a safe, professional, and supportive way.
13. How do I know if Thrive is right for my child?
If your child is experiencing emotional difficulties, challenges in relationships, or just needs extra support building confidence and resilience, Thrive could be a helpful option. I’m happy to offer an initial conversation to explore whether it’s the right fit.
how i can support you
Integrative Humanistic Counselling
Integrative Humanistic Counselling is a compassionate and client-focused approach that values each person’s unique experiences, emotions, and perspectives. By integrating Person-Centred, Gestalt, and Existential therapy, I create a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at you own pace.
Therapeutic Life Story Work (TLSW)
Therapeutic Life Story Work is a structured and creative approach designed to help children and young people make sense of their past, understand their experiences, and build a positive sense of identity. This work is particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or disrupted attachments, such as those in foster care, adoption, or residential care.
