Donna Allen

Specialist in Emotional Wellbeing, Behaviour & Parent Support

I have spent almost 30 years supporting children, young people and families across education, psychology, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and children's mental health.

Throughout my career I have worked with families in schools, Local Authority services and NHS commissioned mental health services. These experiences have taught me that there is no such thing as a one size fits all approach. Every child has their own strengths, challenges and way of experiencing the world.

I believe parents are the experts on their own children. My role is not to tell you how to parent, but to work alongside you, helping you make sense of your child's emotions and behaviour while developing practical strategies that strengthen relationships, build confidence and support lasting change.

When children are struggling, it is easy to focus on the behaviour we can see.

Perhaps your child is anxious, overwhelmed by big emotions, struggling with confidence, avoiding school, having frequent meltdowns or finding everyday situations difficult to manage. You may have tried different strategies, rewards or advice, yet still feel unsure why your child is finding things so difficult.

Behaviour is often a child's way of communicating an unmet need, an overwhelming emotion or a challenge they do not yet have the words or skills to express.

My role is to help you understand what lies beneath your child's behaviour and provide practical, evidence based support that creates meaningful, lasting change.

Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, low self esteem, school related anxiety or challenges associated with autism, ADHD or other additional needs, support begins with understanding.

Here are the ways in which I can help:

  • Childhood anxiety and excessive worrying

  • Emotional regulation and managing big emotions

  • Behaviour that challenges

  • Low confidence and self esteem

  • Building resilience

  • Parent child relationships

  • Autism and ADHD

  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

  • School related anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance

  • Understanding behaviour through a psychological and developmental lens

Support may be offered through parent consultations, parent coaching, therapeutic sessions with children or a combination of approaches, depending on the needs of your family.

I believe that behaviour is communication.

Rather than focusing solely on changing behaviour, I help families understand the emotions, experiences and unmet needs that may be driving it.

Drawing on psychology, child development and evidence based approaches, I tailor support to each child and family. Together we develop practical strategies that can be used confidently in everyday life, helping children build emotional understanding, resilience, confidence and lifelong coping skills.

My aim is not simply to reduce difficult behaviours. It is to help children feel understood and to give parents the confidence and knowledge to support them with compassion.

My approach is warm, collaborative and grounded in evidence based practice. Together we will focus on understanding your child, celebrating their strengths and building the skills and confidence needed for them to thrive.

A New Service Coming Soon

This specialist service will soon be available through Honeypot Practice.

Before appointments open, I would love to hear from families who feel this type of support could benefit their child.

Registering your interest is completely without obligation. It simply allows us to understand the needs of local families and keep you updated as the service becomes available.

If your family would benefit from support with emotional wellbeing, behaviour, anxiety, SEND or parent guidance, please complete the enquiry form below.

We will then be in touch with further information about availability and next steps.

Qualifications and Professional Background

  • First Class Honours Degree in Psychology

  • Qualified Education Mental Health Practitioner

  • Counselling qualifications

  • Autism Education Trust Levels 1, 2 and 3

  • Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

  • Assistant Educational Psychologist

  • SEMH Specialist Teaching Service

  • Autism Outreach Service

  • Nearly 30 years' experience supporting children, young people and families across education, SEND and children's mental health

How Can I Help?

My Approach

Ready to speak?

Not sure if your family would benefit from support?

Get in touch to talk things through. I’ll help you understand what’s going on and what to do next.