Pie Factory Music offers free face-to-face and online counselling sessions for 13 – 18-year-olds in East Kent.
Our Soundcheck programme provides mental health support through talking therapy for young people in East Kent.
We work with professional, qualified counsellors who offer support for general emotional health and well-being, as well navigating racial trauma, identity, gender and sexuality.
It’s thanks to recent funding from Kent Community Foundation and The Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation that we are able to continue to provide this service.
Our counselling offer
We provide online, face-to-face counselling and group art therapy with our qualified counsellors.
Whilst you are waiting to access our service, support is available via the organisations below:
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
www.south-east-art-psychotherapy.co.uk
https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/mental-wellbeing-information-hub/children-and-young-people
Alan
Hi, my name is Alan and I am a person-centred counsellor with years of experience helping young people navigate the challenges of life.
Based in my private practice in Margate, I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your feelings and experiences at your own pace. My approach is centred on you as an individual – I believe that you have the inner strength and resources to overcome difficulties, and my role is to help you access and harness them. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, or just feeling lost, I’m here to listen and support you every step of the way.
Counselling is a space where you can be heard and understood without fear of judgment. During our sessions, you can expect open and honest conversations tailored to your needs. We’ll work together to make sense of what’s going on for you, helping you gain insight and develop strategies to cope and thrive. There’s no pressure to talk about anything you’re not ready to share – you set the pace, and I’ll follow your lead. My aim is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself and where your voice truly matters.
Outside of my counselling work, I have a passion for music and enjoy exploring a variety of genres, whether it’s playing an instrument or discovering new artists. I’m also a big fan of sport, both as a spectator and to stay active. These interests help me stay grounded and connected, and I believe in the importance of finding activities that bring joy and fulfilment.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards understanding yourself better and creating positive change in your life, I’m here to help.
Alan is available in person in Margate (including Saturdays) and at Pie on Friday mornings. He is also available for online sessions at various times.
Alice
My name is Alice and I am an Art Therapist.
Art Therapy offers the creative process of art-making as a way for you to express your thoughts and feelings. The combination of art-making and talking provides you with a flexible and gentle approach, at a pace that suits you, which can really help when exploring more difficult emotions. You do not need any experience or skills in art-making, and the main focus will be on what the art-making process may bring up for you.
I offer a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to be heard and seen. I believe that an authentic and trusting therapeutic relationship can support you in gaining insights into yourself, as well as your relationships with others. I take an intersectional approach, and my experience is with people from socially, culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds. I am a Neurodiversity-affirming therapist.
I have many years of experience in a range of settings working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults within schools, organisations, the community and the NHS, facilitating groups and one-to-one sessions. I also have my own private practice in Margate.
Alice is available for individual sessions on a Thursday afternoon. She also runs the Art Therapy group.
Libby
Hi, I am a qualified Gestalt therapist. I work mainly with young people in schools and online, and have a small private practice for adults. Being a gestalt therapist means I work in the here and now, working through how difficulties from the past may be impacting the present. I work creatively incorporating elements of art, games, Lego and sand tray work into my sessions.
Before becoming a therapist I worked for many years in residential homes with young people. I have extensive experience working with clients with ASD and other developmental disabilities, challenging behaviours, ADHD and other neurodiversity needs.
Libby works in person from Pie on Friday afternoon.
Michelle
Hi, I work as a counsellor, clinical supervisor and counselling lecturer. I have my own counselling private practice where I see individuals from all walks of life, including musicians and young people.
I work with a range of themes such as ADD; anxiety; depression; phobias; trauma/EMDR; loss; addiction; smoking; confidence and assertiveness building. I offer the option of engaging verbally, creatively or both. In working creatively I include music; art therapy; dream work; worksheets; poetry and visualisation etc.
I understand that it can be a lonely journey when going through troubling times. My hope is to join you on your journey and to offer you the tools to cope better with life events. A safe space will be created where you will be listened to and talk freely about situations in your life without feeling judged.
About me: I love the cinema; kickboxing; gigs; dancing and having a good laugh. I occasionally volunteer backstage at the O2, counselling fans who are struggling with anxiety. I facilitate workshops and yearly well-being summer retreats, which are open to the public.
Michelle works in person from Pie on Tuesday afternoon and also works online on Saturdays.
Remi
Hello! I’m a qualified person-centred therapist. What the person-centred part means is how I work with you, the client. I work to affirm your experiences because I believe deeply that my clients are the experts in their own lives. I want to hear from you about the things that affect you, the things that have brought you to a place of considering having therapy.
I believe that you best understand your inner thoughts, and the anxieties you may have, and in our sessions I’m there to listen to you. This style of therapy encourages the building of a therapeutic alliance between you and I. Our relationship is an essential feature of the work; so that you may trust me to hold space for you. I have specialised training and experience in addiction; working with ambiguous loss; racism, intersectionality, and trauma. I have worked extensively with clients from the LGBTQ+ community.
Remi works online only – various days and times are available.
Steph
Hi, I have been a counsellor for 12 years, and I am trained to work with children, young people and adults. I work in schools as well as having my own private practice.
I believe in creating a safe space for people to share their thoughts, feelings and issues with me. I am really passionate about young people accessing high-quality therapy and being able to fully be themselves, and share with me so that we can work through things together. I have experience of working with a very wide range of subjects and enjoy supporting young people through their counselling journey. When I’m not working, I enjoy walking my dog, going to music festivals and spending time at the beach.
Steph works in person from her practice in Folkestone – various days and times are available.