My name is Isabella Mackinnon, and I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I support children and adolescents who are struggling emotionally, socially, or behaviourally. Through one-to-one therapy, I help young people make sense of their experiences, build confidence, and find a voice for feelings that may be hard to express at home or at school.

Relationships & Family

  • Family Issues

  • Divorce & Parental Conflict

  • Parenting Challenges

  • Bullying & Friendship Difficulties

Safety, Trauma & Complex Experiences

  • Trauma

  • Self-Harm

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Domestic Violence

  • Bereavement & Loss

I Can Help With:

Behavioural & Developmental

  • ADD / ADHD

  • Autism & Social Communication Difficulties

  • Learning Difficulties

  • School Refusal or Avoidance

  • Difficulty with Social Skills

Identity & Growing Up

  • Gender Identity

  • Personal Identity

  • Transitions & Life Changes

Emotional & Mental Health

  • Anxiety

  • Depression & Low Mood

  • Anger & Emotional Regulation

  • Eating Difficulties / Eating Disorders

  • Personal Development & Self-Esteem

  • Academic Pressure & Exam Stres

My Approach

My approach is based in psychodynamic therapy, which helps children and young people understand how their experiences shape their feelings and behaviour. It offers a safe space to explore emotions that may feel confusing or hard to talk about.

I work in a warm and collaborative way, combining deeper emotional insight with practical, age-appropriate strategies. I support both the young people at a pace that feels safe, steady, and grounded.

Who I Work With

I support:

  • Children aged 5–11

  • Adolescents aged 12–18

  • Parents and carers seeking guidance on how to support their child


How I Work With Children

(Ages 5-11)

With younger children, I use a play-based approach to help them express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Sessions involve creative tools such as drawing, storytelling, play and gentle conversation. I also use sand play, dolls, and small-world figures to give children a symbolic and imaginative way to explore their inner world and communicate emotions safely.

How I Work With Adolescents

(Adolescents 12–18)

With teenagers, I offer a calm, non-judgmental space where they can talk openly about what’s on their mind. I help them explore emotions, identity, relationships, and pressures in a way that feels respectful and empowering. Therapy can include reflective conversation, drawing, painting, and space to understand their inner world more deeply.

About Me

I am a child and adolescent therapist with several years of experience supporting young people in both clinical and school settings. I trained at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, with a focus on understanding emotional development and the ways children communicate through play, behaviour, and relationships. I hold two Master’s degrees from the Tavistock and Portman: the first in Perinatal, Child, Adolescent and Family Work, and the second in Psychological Therapies with Children, Young People and Families.

Before beginning my clinical training, I spent eight years working in early-years settings. While this is no longer the main focus of my professional identity, it gave me a deep appreciation for how a child’s mind develops, how emotional patterns are formed, how relationships are understood, and how the foundations for the handling of feelings begin to take shape. Over the last few years, I have worked extensively in schools, supporting students aged 5–18 with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. My work has included individual therapy, parent work, and collaboration with teachers and pastoral teams to ensure each child is held within a supportive network.

My approach is compassionate, thoughtful, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I aim to help young people feel heard, understood, and more able to navigate the challenges they are facing.

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