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Home2024-12-30T18:03:38+00:00
PLEASE NOTE I AM CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED AND NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS      –      PLEASE NOTE I AM CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED AND NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS      –      
Vicki McKeown

VLM Therapy

My name is Vicki McKeown. I have 12+ years’ experience of working directly with clients; the nature of my work has evolved over time. After qualifying with an MA in Social Work I quickly realised I was unable to do the in depth therapeutic work required to resolve underlying issues, repair disrupted attachments and process early childhood trauma. This resulted in me going on to train as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and EMDR Practitioner. I have been in private practice since 2016 based in North Shields and working with clients across the North East. I take an integrative approach to counselling, bringing together a number of therapies and schools of thought. This enables me to work in the best and most tailored way for you, the client.

I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and also continue to be registered with Social Work England.

Counselling/ Psychotherapy
for Adults

Child and Adolescent
Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement
De-sensitisation Reprogramming)

Dyadic Developmental
Psychotherapy (DDP)

Therapy for
Adopted Children

Supervision

Vicki McKeown

VLM Blog

See below for the latest news

Vicki McKeown

Testimonials

“I contacted Vicki after many failed counselling sessions with other Therapists including EMDR. I just didn’t connect with the other therapists and had many years of trauma throughout my childhood and early adult years. I was coming to crisis point and my past experiences were starting to rule my life, I spent most of my time dissociating and not dealing with anything in real life.

Vicki was lovely, very open and honest and I felt I could trust her so I could open up about my past. Although opening up about my past wasn’t easy because of the dissociation, but Vicki knew exactly when I was trying to deflect answering her questions and promptly brought me back to the question.

With trust, time, compassion and understanding for the first time in years I was seeing, discussing and processing all that trauma I never thought it was possible.”

I am so deeply grateful for the help I have received from Vicki and getting me through that awful time. I am now not dissociating and feel in control of my life.

I would 100% recommend Vicki

Helen, 2019

“My 11 year old daughter sought therapeutic support in 2020, due to growing worries that were affecting her sleeping, eating, and behaviour in the home. She was gradually being overwhelmed by worries and Vicki’s work with her really helped her have an understanding as to how her brain was working and has given her a framework for understanding herself more fully. The concept of strong brain and hedgehog brain was really helpful, and the understanding of how worries come and go, then how to manage them so that they don’t stop and take over everything has really helped her. For us as parents, we have been helped with how to respond to our daughters needs sensitively and recognise the signs of switching off or vacantness being connected to stress and worries. We now feel better equipped to help our daughter moving forward into her teenage years. Vicki’s work has been foundational in helping support our daughters mental health at a pivotal time for her.”

Susan, Parent,

“Vicki has been very supportive, calm and gentle with me. She sets a comforting atmosphere and always supplies tea. She has helped me a great deal with my trauma, and I highly recommend her.”

Anonymous,

“The sessions were specific to the needs of our sons difficulties, Vicki was able to develop a positive trusting relationship.  She is supportive and honest, and during a difficult time of lockdown her support was amazing.

Our son sustained an assault leaving him confused and anxious Vicki’s helped through the difficult time.

He has transitioned between school and college, Vicki supported him to help alleviate his worries and fears, he has made great progress through the therapy sessions and he has been supported to make positive changes.”

Adoptive Parent - October 2021,

“Vicki really helped me, she listened to me when I had lots of worries, we worked together to find strategies to help cope when I get stressed and anxious.  I had lots of difficulties at school and she really supported me especially after I was attacked, she helped me realize it wasn’t my fault and I am a stronger person for all the help I’ve had.

I have started college and I have made some new friends I feel like I have a good future and I love collage.  I still have to sometimes work to manage my big feelings but I have good ways of doing this now, I don’t damage things in my room any more I go for a walk and listen to music.”

Adoptive Young Person - October 2021,

“It was my first time at counselling and I felt very apprehensive opening up to someone I didn’t know, but as soon as my first session started, Vicki made that easier for me and I felt very comfortable. Vicki helped me cope with challenging issues and assisted me with realistic coping strategies that I use almost daily. She was very supportive, calm and understanding and with all this I was able to move forward and make positive changes. Thank you Vicki for all your help and support, I would 100% recommend to anyone. 

Molly - 2022,

“I contacted Vicki in 2021 for help with overwhelming personal and professional issues. My friends are a great support network but I felt I needed an outsiders viewpoint to give an unbiased perspective on my situation and some kind of structured help to deal with it. 

I’ve never had therapy before but would absolutely recommend it and particularly Vicki to anyone struggling or feeling as stuck as I was. Vicki was calm, friendly, supportive and objective. Our sessions gave me a safe space to talk freely and practical coping techniques. I’ve been able to move forward in a positive way at last.”

H - 2022,

I met Vicki towards the end of  2019 when attending a course through Adopt North East on Attachment.  It was recommended that I look to therapy.  My daughter who was about to turn 14 had hit the skids quite badly and had awakened trauma in me that I had long ago thought I had dealt with, but I realised that in order to help her I had to also help myself.  Vicki came highly recommended through the two partners at the time of SCS Training.  I started weekly sessions with Vicki which at first I found incredibly hard going.   I was having to root around in my past, and so instead tried to focus on what was going on with my daughter at the time.  Vicki kept bringing it back to me as she realised I had to deal with my past and try and put it to bed, although deflecting things came so naturally for me.  Vicki helped me to prepare a tree of events which made me realise that not everything in my past was awful.  Vicki helped me realise that although not having a mother of my own around to grow up with at the age my daughter now was.  It made me realise that I was doing everything I could to help my daughter, and in some ways possibly it helped that I had not had her around as I effectively did not have a mother parenting tape to rely on and that it was actually making me a better mother because I would never give up on her.   For me I think it was because I did not bump into my past very often I was able to put it to one side and brush it under the carpet.  Vicki made me realise I did not have to do that any more and that the trigger of seeing my mother instead of being upset that she did not even acknowledge I existed, but be thankful that she didn’t because at the end of the day I would not have been the parent I am today.  

I would highly, highly recommend Vicki as she really listened to me whilst gently pushing me back in the direction I needed to be rather than deflecting as I had seemed to do so easily.  Although compliments I am still not great with! 

Roll forward to 2022, I am in a much better place, our family is in a much better place, and our daughter although still hits bumps in the road is in a much better place.  

I don’t like to think where we would have been if I had not met Vicki and under her guidance realised that I am not a failure and that I am doing the best I can as a mother, wife, and friend and that no one is perfect.

Annon - 2022,

“I’m very appreciative of the time Vicki spent with X and X, how she valued their thinking and promoted their insight into their own experiences.

I like Vicki’s common sense approach, that she was reliable and very considerate.”

Adoptive Mum, 2022

Adoptive Parent - 2022,

“Vicki is friendly and actually quite funny at times. She is a good listener and never puts words into your mouth like some general/school counsellors do.  She is nice to talk to and explains things clearly so that you understand why you may be feeling or behaving the way you are.  Vicki often knew why I felt the way I did before I did and she always helped me to understand why and how this could link to the trauma I had experienced in the past.  I would definitely recommend her therapy sessions as they really helped me.”

E, age 16

E, age 16- 2023,

“Vicki has been supporting our children at different stages on our family’s journey since my twins were 8 years old.  I can honestly say her therapy sessions have made a huge difference to the dynamics of our family and the way we parent, support, discipline and interact with each other.  We have covered everything from the impact of birth family neglect/trauma, behaviour management, self-harm and more recently our twins have explored their birth family history  while doing their life story work so they can make real informed decisions going forward. Vicki is non-judgemental, kind, caring and supportive.  Her knowledge of PTSD trauma and how it impacts and affects our children’s life and choices was excellent. Vicki not only worked with us as a family but engaged and advocated for us with other professionals working alongside us including school teachers, school counsellors and more recently college tutors.  I can’t recommend her therapy enough, it’s like having a personal therapist and cheerleader all rolled into one.”

A, Mother of Twins

A, Mother of Twins - 2023,

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Living in a traumatising environment can leave your mind and body in a constant state of fight or flight. 

Small steps, like connecting with a trusted person or grounding yourself in the present moment, can make a difference.

#mentalhealth #trauma #traumatised #traumaimpact #healing #grounding
The Invisible Boy 📕 

I bought this book after it was recommended by my Mum as she uses it with children she works with. 

This beautifully illustrated story teaches children the power of kindness and inclusion. It follows Brian, a quiet boy who feels “invisible” until a small act of kindness changes everything.

The book helps kids:

💛 Understand empathy and inclusion.
💛 Recognise the impact of small actions.
💛 Build confidence if they’ve ever felt left out.

#TheInvisibleBoy #BookRecommendation #EmotionalIntelligence #SocialSkills #ChildrensBooks #Empathy #Inclusion #KindnessMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachingChildren #EducatingChildren #VLMtherapytryd
Why Do We Self-Sabotage?

Sometimes, we self-sabotage because it gives us a sense of control over the outcome. If we’re the ones who hold ourselves back, we don’t have to face the uncertainty—or the pain—of trying and failing.

If we are going to grow, change, heal we need to take the risk even if it means there might be blips along the way. 

#SelfSabotage #stepoutsideyourcomfortzone #control #selfsabotagecanbeprotective 
#PersonalGrowth #BeKindToYourself #MentalHealthAwareness #TryAgain #HealingJourney
#adoption #adoptingwithbirthchild #growingfamiliesthroughadoption
✨ Don’t Expect You from Others ✨

Just because you’d respond to a situation in a certain way or prefer to be supported in a specific way doesn’t mean others will.

We all carry our own unique life experiences that shape how we react, communicate, and seek support. Understanding this can help us build stronger, more empathetic connections with others.

Take a step back, listen, and meet people where they are and ask them what they want and need. 

#DontExpectYouFromOthers #WeArsAllDifferent #Empathy #SelfAwareness #Connection #Support #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
And just like that we’re in 2025 💫

I hope everyone’s had a safe Christmas and New Year. I feel like I blinked and it was over. 

I’m mindful that it’s lots of children’s first day back at school and parents back to work today so my one piece of advice to you is regulate! It’s likely to be a day full of big feelings so just do what you can as you transition back into a routine.
✨ Reflecting on 2024 ✨

As 2024 comes to an end, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect on another busy but rewarding year.

A heartfelt thank you to the 41 children, young people, adults and families who trusted me to be part of their healing journeys. It’s been a privilege to walk alongside you.

Thank you as well to the incredible professionals I’ve worked in partnership with this year, all sharing the common goal of providing support and making a difference.

Here’s to seeing what 2025 has in store! 🌟

#VLMtherapy #Therapy #Gratitude #Reflection #SupportingFamilies #EndOfYear #NewYearGoals
Last day of work for 2024 done…Pass me a mulled wine 🍷 

I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone for their continued support and work this year. It’s been a busy one.

Thank you to all my lovely clients and families that have trusted me to be a part of your process and allowed me to do a job I love 💛

Looking forward to doing more of what I love and working with you all in 2025!

Finally I just want to wish everyone a safe Christmas and New Year 🎄 

#vlmtherapy #workyeardone #merrychristmas
The festive season isn’t a happy time for everyone, and that’s okay. If it feels heavy for you, know you’re not alone. You don’t have to force joy—focus on getting through it in a way that feels right for you. Go at your own pace, set boundaries, and remember to look after yourself.

#christmasgrief #traumaatchristmas #christmasishard  #christmastraumatriggers
We need to stop making love feel conditional at Christmas. Phrases like ‘Santa won’t bring you presents if you’re not good’ can send the wrong message. 

Children are still learning, and they shouldn’t be punished for making mistakes or struggling to regulate their emotions.

For care-experienced children, young people, or those from low-income families, the idea that Santa’s love is reflected in the gifts they receive can be deeply hurtful when their perception is they don’t get what others do.

Be mindful this Christmas, focus on love, understanding, and connection—not conditions.

#christmasmessages #conditonsatchristmas #unconditionallove #santathreats #loveshouldntbeconditional #presentsatchristmas #lovelanguage #vlmtherapy
My one piece of advice to parents this December… REGULATE, REGULATE, REGULATE!

December can be a lot—nativity plays, work parties, Christmas jumpers, presents to buy then wrap, and twinkling lights everywhere.

Prioritise your own calm. Take regular breaks, enjoy a hot bath, or head out for a peaceful walk. When you feel grounded and regulated (as much as possible), you’re better able to help your little one to co-regulate.

#regulate #coregulate #parenting #attunement #support #emotionalregulation #decemberoverwhelm #vlmtherapy
For some children, particularly those with a background of trauma, the idea of a stranger—like Father Christmas—entering their home and safe space can feel frightening rather than magical.

The idea of stockings being placed in their bedroom can be unsettling and triggering. While it may seem like a harmless tradition, it’s important to consider how this might affect their sense of safety.

It’s a reminder that what brings joy to some may feel unsettling to others. This Christmas, let’s be mindful and create a sense of safety and comfort for all children.

#adoption #fostering #adoptees #traumaatchristmas #traumatriggers #safetyatchristmas #fatherchristmas #santa #strangerdanger
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