With over forty years of combined experience in social care, we recognise the challenges encountered while supporting vulnerable children, young people, and adults. Our goal is to empower organisations and frontline workers by providing quality training and customised support to improve their effectiveness, boost confidence, and enhance outcomes for individuals in crisis.
Our Ethos
As therapy-trained practitioners, we know that effective support goes far beyond understanding theory, it’s about knowing how to put that understanding into practice. That’s why our training doesn’t just explain concepts; we focus on how to apply them safely and compassionately in real-world settings. Our goal is to help professionals provide the best possible care for their clients’ mental health while also protecting their own.
We’re passionate about helping others become trauma-informed, therapy-aware, and client-centered — always keeping the young person’s journey at the heart of every interaction.
What makes Therapeutically Speaking stand out is our blend of professional depth and practical empathy. We don’t just teach, we equip professionals to speak and think therapy first, empowering them to create meaningful change and sustain their wellbeing in the process.
meet the team
Our founding directors
Lucy and Neil together bring over forty years of combined experience working with children and families in crisis. Their roots in social care and multi-agency practice means that they have spent their careers supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals, their families and working alongside the professionals who stand beside them. These experiences have inspired them to create Therapeutically Speaking to offer a system of support and training for front line services.
Lucy Johnson
BA Hons in Pyhsical Theatre
MA Dramatherapy
Level 4 Lifespan Intergration
Certificate in ADHD coaching
With more than a decade of specialist experience in child protection — including child abuse and child exploitation teams across Derby and Leicestershire — my work has always centred on safeguarding, trauma, and the complexities of early relational harm. My international work in Brazil, India, and Botswana further deepened my commitment to culturally responsive, trauma‑informed practice.
For the past eight years, I have led a private therapy practice dedicated to supporting individuals affected by childhood trauma, attachment disruption, and developmental adversity. As a qualified dramatherapist, I integrate creative, embodied, and narrative techniques into my clinical work, enabling clients to process trauma in ways that feel safe, contained, and accessible.
My lifespan‑focused model weaves together therapeutic attunement, expressive methods, and a gentle, structure.
Neil Martin
BA Hons Social Work
MA Psychosynthesis Psychology
Diploma Psychosynthesis Counselling
Diploma Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy
As a Social Worker, I have experience working in frontline children’s services, supporting vulnerable children and families. I was also a social worker in a therapeutic childrens team that included support to foster carers, adopters and Special Guardians. I then went on to become the manager of the team, acting as a consultant to other children’s services.
I’m now a psychotherapist of adults supporting with issues such as depression and anxiety. I also have experience in this role providing specilaist support to frontline staff including school staff.
Read some of the testimonials our clients have left us to see how impactful our training is and how beneficial our consultancy services are.
Thank you so much, Neil and Lucy. I feel so much more confident with working meaningfully with children in a way that will positively impact their lives.
Social worker
Great training based in REAL practice, backed up by evidence.
Social worker
Just wanted to say a big thank you for our training. The trainers were very knowledgable and gave great examples from their experiences to demonstrate and discuss scenarios. It was very valuable training.
Head teacher
Really interesting and thought provoking. helped me to think about the children and young people I work with and ways to support them moving forward.
Social worker
Really helpful and engaging. Clear explanations of communication and how it links to trauma. Good balance of activities, breaks and sharing information.
Social worker
Great trainers. The training was well received by all staff. Thank you.
Head teacher