Sophie McKinnon

Sophie is a registered psychologist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents and their families through life's ups and downs. She has experience supporting young people in both school and private practice settings, working with a broad range of presentations. This has included young people experiencing anxiety, mood disturbances, behavioural difficulties, Autism, ADHD, learning differences, trauma, sleep concerns, and challenges with confidence, family dynamics, friendships and self-esteem. She works collaboratively with children, parents, schools and families to foster meaningful and lasting change. 

Sophie brings warmth, curiosity and playfulness into therapy. She takes a compassionate and developmentally informed approach, understanding that every child is unique and that their needs evolve as they grow. She believes children thrive when they feel safe, understood and accepted, and works to create a space where they can express themselves freely while developing confidence, self-understanding, emotional awareness and practical coping skills. She is also passionate about neuroaffirming, trauma-informed and culturally safe practice, and strives to ensure every child and family feels heard, understood and supported. Her work draws primarily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), alongside play-based strategies and other evidence-based approaches tailored to each child's individual strengths and needs.

In addition to therapeutic support, Sophie is skilled in conducting cognitive, academic and ADHD assessments for children and adolescents. This can help young people and their families gain a deeper understanding of the child's unique strengths, challenges and needs, while guiding practical support at home and school.

Sophie is passionate about the value of early psychological support, believing it can have a lifelong impact on young people's resilience, relationships and emotional wellbeing. She hopes every child leaves therapy feeling more understood, more confident, and with the belief that they are capable of overcoming life's challenges.