Selective Mutism Support for Children and Families

• Children experiencing selective mutism or significant speaking anxiety 
• Parents and carers feeling overwhelmed or unsure how best to help 
• Families struggling to implement strategies consistently in everyday life 
• Children experiencing anxiety linked to school, social situations, or communication
   

 Support is primarily offered in person in Somerset.
In some circumstances, and following discussion with parents or carers, online sessions may be considered where this feels appropriate for the child. 

Selective mutism is rooted in anxiety and nervous system responses, not defiance, stubbornness, or lack of understanding.

Many children:

• Want to speak but feel unable to
• Become highly vigilant in social or educational settings
• Experience pressure — even well-intentioned — as overwhelming

Progress is usually gradual and depends on safety, trust, and consistency.

I provide calm, supportive, anxiety-aware sessions tailored carefully to each child’s individual needs and pace. Reducing anxiety and pressure around communication

• Supporting emotional safety and confidence
• Helping families understand what helps — and what can unintentionally increase anxiety
• Providing practical, realistic strategies that fit everyday family life
   

Sessions are:

• Child-led and paced carefully
• Grounded in anxiety-aware, non-pressured approaches
• Adapted to the child’s age, needs, and comfort
   

Often, the work is indirect — focusing first on safety, regulation, and confidence rather than speech itself.   This support is complementary and does not replace NHS, Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), or CAMHS involvement where needed. 

Many parents are given information or a plan but receive little ongoing, practical support with implementation.

I work with parents and carers to:

• Translate guidance into manageable, real-world steps
• Reduce pressure on both the child and the family
• Build confidence in how to respond in everyday situations
• Create consistency across home and other settings where possible
   

This support recognises how challenging and emotionally demanding this can be for families.

•  Background in education, working with children and young people outside mainstream settings
• Specialist training in Selective Mutism with Maggie Johnson
• Ongoing professional development in anxiety-informed therapeutic practice
   

 My work with children is supported by a background in education, specialist selective mutism training, ongoing professional development, and an enhanced DBS certificate. 

 Selective mutism support is primarily offered in person in Somerset, allowing sessions to be paced carefully and tailored to each child’s individual needs.

In-person work can often provide a gentler and more flexible environment for building safety, trust, and confidence at the child’s own pace.

In some circumstances, online parent support sessions or online appointments may also be considered where appropriate and discussed collaboratively with families.

If you are unsure what type of support may be most suitable, this can be explored gently and without pressure during an initial conversation.