working with
schools
Supporting Schools with Anxiety & EBSNA
Early intervention coaching to help children & families before anxiety patterns become embedded
My work focuses on supporting children and families affected by anxiety and emotional-based school non-attendance (EBSNA) — a growing issue across Scotland's schools.
Through my coaching, I offer early, school-based interventions for children as young as 5 or 6 years old.
These sessions help children understand and manage anxiety before patterns of avoidance become embedded.
By addressing emotional regulation and resilience at this early stage, my work can often prevent escalation to clinical or high-threshold services such as LIAM (Let's Introduce Anxiety Management) or CAMHS — services that are often overstretched and available only after significant deterioration.
I also deliver blocks of whole school assemblies for both upper and lower school. These can run for 4-6 weeks and are designed in line with the Scottish curriculum, providing age-appropriate content that builds emotional literacy and resilience across the entire school community.
the golden thread approach
Practical, nurturing, and relational — bridging the gap between education and mental health.
My approach builds confidence and re-engagement with learning through compassionate, evidence-based interventions that implement SHANARRI and GIRFEC principles. Using CBT techniques, I help children transform unhelpful thinking patterns and empower them to recognise their true potential.
This approach complements Scotland's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which states that we should focus activity and funding on early intervention to minimise poor mental health.
flexible delivery
Sessions can take place 1:1 or in small groups within schools, working collaboratively with staff and parents/caregivers to build the child's confidence and re-engagement with learning.
preventative impact
Early intervention often prevents escalation to overstretched clinical services like LIAM or CAMHS. By addressing early anxiety at ages 5-6, we can change outcomes before referral criteria are met.
aligned priorities
My work aligns closely with the Scottish Government's commitment to closing the attainment gap and supporting the Whole School Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing.
my school packages
my therapeutic approaches
I draw on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support children and families
person-centered
Helps children and families make the best decisions for themselves
psychoanalytical
Explores how buried thoughts, feelings, and experiences shape current relationships
systemic
Works with children and families in the context of their relationships and environment
cognitive-behavourial (CBT)
Helps children and families manage problems by changing how they think and behave
solution-focused
Helps children and families work towards solutions
let's discuss how i can support your school
Early intervention for anxiety and EBSNA - helping children before patterns become embedded.
If you're interested in knowing more about any of the packages I offer, or if you have a question you want to ask, please get in touch using the form below. I aim to reply within 48 hours.
"Our daughter had started refusing to go to school at age 7. Dominique's coaching helped us understand what was happening and gave us practical strategies. Within weeks, she was back in school and actually enjoying it. We're so grateful."
Lisa Thompson
Parent, Edinburgh