Chris Barbour
Liverpool
Summary
Experienced professional with expertise in therapeutic support for children and young people with SEMH needs, trauma histories and complex presentations. Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group therapeutic interventions, applying trauma-informed practices, and fostering safe, trusting relationships to promote emotional regulation and engagement. Proficient in safeguarding, child protection policies and multi-agency collaboration with schools, CAMHS, NHS services, charities and local authorities. Adept at designing tailored wellbeing programmes, supporting transitions with care and coaching staff to embed child-centred approaches. A resilient practitioner committed to reflective practice and managing emotionally demanding work while driving positive outcomes for children and families.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Psychotherapist & Mental Health Lead
New Park Primary, Northern Schools Trust (formerly SAIL Academy)
01.2019 - 12.2025
- Deliver 1:1 and group therapeutic interventions for children and young people with SEMH needs, including trauma, anxiety, bereavement, emotional disregulation and behavioural challenges.
- Provide 1:1 therapy for staff and families, supporting wellbeing, resilience and reflective practice.
- Work closely with teaching staff and parents/carers to ensure pupils remain engaged, regulated and supported within education despite complex emotional needs.
- Design and implement targeted and whole-school wellbeing programmes, leading to measurable improvements in focus, behaviour, emotional regulation and readiness to learn.
- Introduced discreet and structured support approaches to promote self-regulation and emotional safety throughout the school day.
- Support pupils through key transitions, including those at risk of exclusion or moving between educational phases, ensuring consistency and continuity of care.
- Deliver workshops and consultation for staff and parents on stress management, emotional wellbeing and trauma-informed practice.
- Work within and contribute to multidisciplinary teams, liaising with external professionals and agencies including CAMHS, Alder Hey, Kooth, LFC Foundation and Mersey Youth Association.
- Maintain accurate records, manage referrals and uphold safeguarding and professional standards at all times.
Deputy Manager
Good To Be Good Alternative Provision
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Managed a nurture-based alternative provision for primary-aged children excluded or at risk of exclusion.
- Delivered intensive pastoral and emotional support for children experiencing trauma, neglect, family breakdown and behavioural difficulties.
- Supported pupils to develop emotional regulation through predictable routines, clear expectations and consistent relationships.
- Built strong partnerships with parents and carers to reinforce progress and stability beyond the school setting.
- Worked closely with local authorities and external professionals to develop layered, trauma-informed support plans.
- Promoted internally to Psychotherapist & Mental Health Lead in recognition of sustained positive impact on child and family outcomes.
Education
MA - Counselling and Psychotherapy
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool 09.2019 - 08.2025
Certificate - Senior Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead
Creative Education
Level 7 Module - CBT for Children and Young People
University of Salford
Salford 02.2022 - 05.2022
BA (Hons) - History
Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool 09.2010 - 08.2013
Skills
- Therapeutic support for children and young people with SEMH needs, trauma histories and complex presentations
- Delivery of 1:1 and group therapeutic interventions
- Strong understanding and application of trauma-informed practice
- Building safe, consistent and trusting relationships
- Emotional regulation, behaviour support and engagement strategies
- Safeguarding and child protection, with confident application of policies and procedures
- Working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Parent, carer and family engagement to support progress beyond school
- Designing and delivering tailored wellbeing, resilience and life-skills programmes
- Supporting transitions, reintegration and endings with structure and care
- Coaching and supporting staff to embed child-centred and trauma-informed approaches
- Strong multi-agency collaboration (schools, CAMHS, NHS services, charities, local authorities)
- Accurate record-keeping, referrals and caseload management
- Resilient, reflective practitioner able to manage emotionally demanding work
Additional information
- Strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
- Extensive experience within specialist, alternative and education settings
- Calm, consistent and emotionally attuned professional approach
- Co-founder and Trustee of Manwell CIO, a Liverpool-based mental health and wellbeing charity, contributing strategic oversight, safeguarding practice and programme design alongside my core role in specialist education.
- References available on request
Affiliations
- Co-founder and Trustee of Manwell CIO, a Liverpool-based mental health and wellbeing charity, contributing strategic oversight, safeguarding practice and programme design.
Timeline
Level 7 Module - CBT for Children and Young People
University of Salford
02.2022 - 05.2022
MA - Counselling and Psychotherapy
Liverpool John Moores University
09.2019 - 08.2025
Psychotherapist & Mental Health Lead
New Park Primary, Northern Schools Trust (formerly SAIL Academy)
01.2019 - 12.2025
Deputy Manager
Good To Be Good Alternative Provision
01.2016 - 01.2020
BA (Hons) - History
Liverpool John Moores University
09.2010 - 08.2013
Certificate - Senior Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead
Creative Education