Elsa Barnett

Looking behind what we see on the surface

What interests me the most about this work is the challenge of looking behind what we see on the surface to understand what might be driving a child's responses and particularly how they interact with their social, emotional and physical environments.

A child sitting within a family system

It's helpful to think about a child sitting within a family system to understand and support rather than an isolated 'problem' to solve. Behaviour is complex, and that struggling in a particular situation doesn’t mean that either the child or the parent is doing something wrong.

My own experience as a parent has taught me that when you’re immersed in a situation - and emotionally invested - it isn’t always easy to step back, make sense of what’s happening and see a way forward. Together, we can look for the conditions that help your child feel safe and capable.

A 5km run in nature

The quickest route to settling my nervous system or some muddy thinking is always a 5km run in nature.

Connection to sunlight and green space

I try to practice what I preach in creating my own space as an environment supportive of everyone's nervous systems: kid's sensory swing, connection to sunlight and green space, lego and drawing workstations, fish tank and a garage set up for all ages exercise.

Following the child’s lead through play

There is a degree of vulnerability in inviting a health professional into your home to support positive changes, so a first visit is very much focused on creating a sense of safety and comfort for the child and family. Whilst I will have a plan, and will be transparent about it, the session is also about following the child’s lead through play.

Parents are very much part of the process. I like to hear what they’re noticing, share my observations and think things through together.

Afterwards, I’ll share what I noticed and what I think might be worth exploring further. I want parents to come away with a little more understanding of what may be happening for their child, along with a few practical ideas that feel realistic for their family.