Yasmeena Fontaine

I am a mental health practitioner with a background in Psychology and training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for children and young people.

I understand that sometimes life can feel overwhelming, confusing or simply like too much to manage on your own. Therapy can be a space to slow things down, make sense of what you are experiencing and begin to find a way forward that feels manageable.

Kindness is one of the most important parts of how I work. I want people to feel comfortable, understood and able to be themselves in therapy, without feeling judged, rushed or pressured. I believe that building trust and creating a safe, supportive relationship is the foundation for meaningful change.

I particularly enjoy working with anxiety, OCD and phobias, and I have a strong interest in supporting autistic and neurodivergent young people. I try to adapt sessions around each person’s communication style, needs, interests and what helps them feel most at ease.

Alongside this, I work with difficulties such as low mood, emotional regulation, social anxiety, stress and the wider challenges that can come with growing up. My experience within NHS child and adolescent mental health services has allowed me to support young people in both community and inpatient settings, while also working closely with families, schools and other professionals where this is helpful.

My approach is warm, collaborative and practical. Although CBT is at the heart of my training, I do not believe therapy should feel one-size-fits-all or overly clinical. I work with each young person to understand what is going on for them, build confidence and develop practical strategies that feel realistic and useful in everyday life.

Ultimately, I hope the young people I work with leave therapy feeling more understood, more confident in themselves and better equipped to manage the things that once felt difficult or overwhelming.