Alexander LajerIntegrative Therapist
Free 15-min call
North London · In-person & online

A space where young people can feel heard, understood, and like themselves.

Young people don't always have the words for what they're carrying. My job is to create a space where they don't need them straight away - where play, creativity, and a genuinely unhurried presence do the work that talking sometimes can't.

Book a free 15-min call A bit about me
Registered & accreditedBACP Reg. MemberDip. Integrative Counselling & PsychotherapyDBS-checkedPlace2Be alumnus
Alexander Lajer
"He finally had someone he actually wanted to talk to."- Parent of a 14-year-old client
Start here

I am a…

Different worries, different questions. Pick the path that fits - the next page is written for you.

For parent

Parent of a child or teen who needs support

Your child seems lost, withdrawn, anxious, angry. You want to help but don't know where to start.

Read more
For young person

A teen or young adult looking for someone to talk to

You don't have to have it figured out. Therapy isn't about something being wrong with you - it's a place to think things through out loud.

Read more
For GP / clinician

A clinician considering a referral

Quick credentials, presenting-issue list, fees, safeguarding policy and a direct line - everything you need in one place.

Read more
For teacher / SENCo

A teacher or pastoral lead, supporting a student

A measured, school-aware approach. Letters, meetings and updates to parents handled with care.

Read more
Fonsie the dachshund
Animal-assisted therapy

Meet Fonsie, my unofficial co-therapist.

He's a miniature chocolate dapple dachshund and for some young people he's the reason therapy becomes possible. A warm four-legged bridge into talking.

Sessions with Fonsie are always optional. Allergies, fears and family preferences are taken seriously - we'll talk it through first.

Learn about therapy with Fonsie
What brings young people in

The things that are hard to put into words.

I work with the everyday, the in-between, and the heavy. Not every client knows what they're walking in with - and that is genuinely okay.

How I work →
Anxiety & worryLow mood & withdrawalSchool refusalExam pressureFriendship & belongingIdentity & sexualityFamily breakdownGrief & lossTrauma-informed supportSelf-esteemNeurodivergence (ADHD / autism)Eating & body imageAnger & emotional regulationLife transitionsBullyingSleep & fatigue
How sessions actually work

No couch, no clipboard.
A real conversation, at your pace.

  1. 01

    Free 15-min call

    A no-pressure phone call to talk through what's going on and whether we feel like a good fit.

  2. 02

    First session

    For younger children, often with a parent in the room. For teens, just us. Nothing rushed.

  3. 03

    Weekly rhythm

    Same day, same time, same room. Consistency is an important part of the work.

  4. 04

    Review together

    We check in every 6-8 sessions to talk about what's helping and what isn't.

What people say

Words I'm privileged to have heard.

All quotes are shared with consent and anonymised. Names, identifying details and ages have been adjusted.

My son finally had someone he actually wanted to talk to. I'm still amazed at how naturally it happened.
Parent of a 14-year-oldHighgate, North London
I didn't think it was for me. Alex made it feel less like therapy and more like figuring stuff out with someone clever.
Client, 19University student
I refer regularly. Communication with the family is excellent, and his understanding of how young people present is exactly what we look for.
Dr H.GP, North London practice
She used to hide in her room. Six months in she's coming downstairs for dinner. It's not magic - it's just consistent, careful work.
Parent of an 11-year-oldSt John's Wood
The practical stuff

The essentials, in plain sight.

Fees, location, ages, formats - out in the open. No need to email to find out the basics.

Get in touch Typical reply within 24 hours.
Fees
£100 / sessionLimited concessionary places available
Length
50 minutesWeekly, same day & time
In-person
Hampstead areaQuiet, child-friendly rooms
Online
Secure videoAcross the UK & internationally
Ages
6 - 25Children, teens, young adults
Languages
EnglishPrimary language of practice
FAQ

The things people
often ask first.

Don't see your question? It's the kind of thing the free intro call is for.

How do I prepare my child for their first session?
Honest, plain language works best. Something like: 'I've found someone whose job is to listen and help with the things that feel hard. He has a dog. You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to.' For younger children, a short visit before the first session can help.
Do you offer a free initial call?
Yes - a 15-minute phone call with no obligation. It's a chance to describe what's going on, ask any questions, and get a sense of whether we'd work well together. If we're not the right fit, I'll always try to suggest someone who might be.
How long does therapy usually last?
It varies, and I won't pretend otherwise. Some young people need a few months around a specific issue; for others, the work is longer and deeper. We review together every 6-8 sessions, so you'll always have a clear sense of how things are going and what's ahead. There's no fixed end point decided in advance.
Do you work with the parents directly?
Yes, in age-appropriate ways. For under-12s, parents are often part of sessions or have separate review meetings. For teenagers, confidentiality is held more tightly - we'll agree what's shared, with the young person's involvement.
What if my child refuses to come?
Very common, especially with teenagers. We'd talk about it on the intro call. There's no point forcing it, but there are usually gentler ways in - including letting the young person meet me online first.
Are you BACP-registered?
Yes. I'm a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, abide by their Ethical Framework, and hold professional liability insurance and an enhanced DBS check.
When you're ready

Start with a quiet, no-pressure call.

Fifteen minutes. No commitment. Just a chance to talk it through and see if working together feels right.