Naoise clearly has a very special talent for engaging young people

‘I was really impressed from the outset, when after a 45 minute conversation with me Naoise really seemed to have a good understanding of my son and what his issues were. It was the first time I felt that anyone had really ‘got’ him.

Naoise and I were then unsure whether he would engage with her but he did his best and said he was keen to work with her and I think that although he couldn’t really express it, he also recognised her as someone who understood him.

It’s been explained to him that whilst he’ll be reminded to do his ‘stuff for Naoise’ nobody will actually be making him do it, and that the whole point of it is to motivate him to start taking responsibility for his own decisions, etc.

He doesn’t complete them every day but he does them about 4x a week.

This a young man who seems to lack any motivation for anything beyond watching TV or playing on his play station, who has little idea of what he wants to do with his life, little pride in himself, shies away from new experiences, avoids crowds and loud music etc.

Since starting work with Naoise, my son has asked if he could have his hair dyed (his fringe is now bright red!), having resolutely refused in the 3 years he’s been at his current school to take part in any weekend activities he’s now decided to stay in and go to the local Music Festival and join in with the camping weekend. He’s also showing some interest in clothes.

Whilst I can never be certain with any therapies, programmes, etc how much is to do with maturation and how much is due to the intervention, the suddenness of the changes and the number of them make me think that Naoise clearly has a very special talent for engaging young people in their own development. I don’t know how she does it but it’s the outcome that I’m interested in.’

UK mother