Jo Kingsley, Children's Counsellor DipCC (BACP Registered Member)

DDP Level 1 and Trauma Informed (Beacon House), Centre for Healing. 

I’ve worked in schools since 2015. I started as a volunteer in a primary school listening to children of all ages read. I then became a Midday Supervisor's Assistant for 5 years, which meant looking after children during lunchtimes and out on the playground. I really enjoyed this role as I was able to be creative with the children through play. As my creativity had been unlocked I decided to train as a children’s counsellor.

I worked at the Acorn Centre previously as a Therapeutic Play Practitioner and I left this role to concentrate on my training. In July 2021, I qualified as an Integrative children's counsellor using the arts, trained at The Institute For Arts In Therapy And Education in London.

I use play and art to allow the children to open up and express themselves freely. The child is given a confidential space to manage their thoughts and big feelings in a safe way. By using 7 forms of art to connect their mind and body, this visual language supports the child to safely explore their internal and external worlds, with the aim of improving their emotional well-being. I’ve had experience working with young people with Autism and children who have a variety of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, bereavement, grief, loss, family breakdown, attachment disorders, trauma, abuse and self harm. The counselling process offers a safe environment where these difficulties can be explored creating long lasting life changes and psychological shifts. 

I am also a registered SandStory therapist, trained by Lara Kasza and enjoy using this medium to allow children to express themselves. SandStory Therapy is a very gentle therapeutic approach enabling the child to tell their story in the sand, combining the therapeutic use of sand, water and symbols to support the child through their therapeutic journey. Story telling is a way of connecting with the child’s unconscious and can be very powerful especially with children who find talking and expressing themselves difficult.

I feel very privileged to be part of the team at the Acorn Centre.  

Acorn Behaviour Support Practitioners

Fiona Ford

'Hello, my name is Fiona and I am a Behaviour Support Practitioner at the Acorn Centre. I began my career within education as a Teaching Assistant/HLTA. Within this role I was part of a Pastoral team supporting small groups of children through several interventions including managing bereavement and loss. This became the foundation for my future development in supporting vulnerable children with varying needs. This passion led me to Acorn 5 years ago; a safe haven for children and families.

A particular area of interest for me is Trauma and Attachment; how these life experiences (Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs) impact upon a child’s daily life and how I can support them through this. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with the children and supporting them to understand what is happening within their bodies and their brain when they become heightened.

I have gained additional experience and qualifications in: THRIVE, Autism, Sand Story Skills, Protective Behaviours, Attachment, Drawing and Talking, Counselling skills (Level 2 CACHE), as well as Sensory Processing Practitioner. Most recently I have qualified as a Heart 2 Heart Practitioner/Facilitator which is a relational approach to Attachment Play.

A therapeutic approach enhances the above skills when supporting each child along their journey.

Alison Colby

'Hi my name is Ali Colby, I have worked at the Acorn centre for 6 years as a behaviour support practitioner. I worked as a TA in a senior school, moving on to become behaviour support manager. I’m have previously trained as a Parenting Support Facilitator, and more recently have become a Thrive practitioner.

My work with the children is focussed around the training I have received based upon a therapeutic way of thinking. I have attended numerous courses relating to children’s behaviours including Attachment, Drawing and Talking, SandStory Skills, Sensory Processing, Protective Behaviours, Step On, Understanding Autism, Safeguarding, Trauma and Speech & Language. I also have a diploma in social work and health education. I’m a qualified first aider. 

I love working with variety of children within The Acorn centre. On outreach, I am keen to support children and staff in a school setting, giving them positive experiences and strategies to help their development.

The Acorn is a unique provision for children, families and schools. We are able to offer many avenues of support for the families, schools and children. It’s a lovely team to be part of, working together to give our children the best possible outcome.'