About Therapy
Lead therapist Diane Evans specialises in therapy for children, teenagers and families. Find out about Diane’s approach, and how evolve can help.
Our approach
Our approach to counselling is integrative, drawing on a range of therapeutic models to meet the unique needs of each child or adolescent. We work relationally and collaboratively, creating a confidential space where young people can explore their experiences at their own pace.
Our work is informed by attachment theory and object relations, which help to make sense of how early relationships shape a child’s emotional world and patterns of connection with others.
Alongside this, we adopt the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) to build trust and emotional safety, particularly when working with children who have experienced relational difficulties.
By integrating these perspectives, we aim to support children and adolescents in developing a stronger sense of self, healthier relationships, and new ways of understanding and responding to their feelings and experiences.
Issues we can help with
Anxiety, persistent worry, restlessness, overwhelm and difficulty concentrating
Depression, reduced motivation, low self-esteem and disrupted sleep
Trauma, unprocessed emotions, ongoing intrusive thoughts and hypervigilance
Relationship Difficulties, interpersonal conflict and communication challenges within close relationships
Stress and Burnout, fatigue and emotional exhaustion, exam worry
Bereavement, loss of a loved one, complex grief, loss
OCD, Self Harm, Eating Difficulties, body image, coping mechanisms
Anger, emotional regulation difficulties, conflict
Life Transitions, divorce, separation, remarriage, new school, moving, adolescence, self discovery
Working with younger children
For many younger children, communication happens most easily through play and creativity rather than conversation alone.
At evolve we use play, painting, drawing, modelling, puppetry and sand work to help children express themselves and access emotions that may be hard to put into words.
Sessions move at the child’s pace, focusing on whatever they wish to bring and using materials they feel comfortable with.
We draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each child.
Working with teenagers and older children
At evolve we offer a safe, respectful space where teenagers and older children can speak openly and consider how relationships, complex and confusing thoughts or life transitions may be contributing to their distress or feelings of overwhelm.
We aim not only to help young people make sense of their feelings, but also to foster healthier patterns of relating, greater resilience, and more supportive relationships around them.
Using art can offer teenagers a powerful way to explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. In therapy, the focus is not on artistic skill but on expression and reflection. The artwork becomes a starting point for curiosity and conversation, helping young people notice patterns, feelings, and meanings that may not have been fully recognised before.
Working with teenagers and older children
At evolve we offer a safe, respectful space where teenagers and older children can speak openly and consider how relationships, complex and confusing thoughts or life transitions may be contributing to their distress or feelings of overwhelm.
We aim not only to help young people make sense of their feelings, but also to foster healthier patterns of relating, greater resilience, and more supportive relationships around them.
Using art can offer teenagers a powerful way to explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. In therapy, the focus is not on artistic skill but on expression and reflection. The artwork becomes a starting point for curiosity and conversation, helping young people notice patterns, feelings, and meanings that may not have been fully recognised before.
Working with families
Using systemic ideas we can explore how people influence and respond to one another. By having conversations in a supported and non-judgemental space, families can begin to notice recurring patterns and misunderstandings as well as family scripts and narratives which may be causing conflict or distance.
At evolve, we work on building new ways of communicating, strengthen relationships, and develop more supportive ways of responding to challenges so that each family member can feel heard, understood, and valued. Re-building trust and emotional safety can help to overcome difficulties and facilitate change.
“I’m excited to see him become ever more confident and strong. Thank you, Diane.”