Cherry Lane Therapeutic Services was founded in 2020 by Kerry Shoesmith MSc CBT, following more than two decades in residential childcare. Kerry witnessed children in care, those at the edge of care, and families under strain often slipping through cracks. Cherry Lane was created to close those gaps, offering therapy and systemic support to children, adults, families, and the professionals who work with them.

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We work with adults, children and families, providing therapy, training and consultancy that helps people feel more regulated, more connected, and more supported. We work alongside professionals and organisations involved in care and support, strengthening the systems around the child or family.

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We support people in crisis and those who are looking for therapeutic help to overcome emotional or psychological barriers. Whether it’s anxiety, trauma, low mood, relationship difficulties, or a general feeling of being stuck, our work helps people move forward and live with more confidence and clarity. Some want to process what’s holding them back, others want to thrive and reach personal or professional goals. We offer a calm, grounded space for that work to happen.

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Our work is informed by a range of therapeutic models, adapted to the needs of each person or situation. We draw on many years of clinical practice and training, but three core approaches underpin much of what we do. We provide accredited and bespoke training in all three for individuals and organisations.

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​1. ReAttach Therapy 

ReAttach is a neuropsychological, trauma-informed model designed to help people regulate emotions, strengthen attachment, and develop cognitive flexibility. It is especially useful for children and adults who find it difficult to engage in traditional talk-based therapy, including those with trauma, neurodiversity, or developmental challenges. ReAttach uses structured voice prompts, cognitive tasks and safe, rhythmic touch where appropriate to stimulate neural processing and support emotional integration. Sessions are short and adaptable, and the approach is known for being accessible, even to those who may not be ready or able to talk through what they are feeling.

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2. Non-Violent Resistance (NVR)

NVR is a practical and respectful method of supporting parents, carers and professionals to respond to challenging behaviours without using punishment, confrontation or withdrawal. Grounded in relationship and presence, NVR helps adults remain calm, assertive and emotionally available even in the face of control, aggression or risk-taking behaviours. It restores authority without fear, increases safety and builds stronger relational bonds. At Cherry Lane, NVR is used in direct therapeutic work with families and within residential care settings through training, consultation and supervision.

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3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and how to change unhelpful patterns. It is effective for a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma responses, OCD, phobias and low self-esteem. CBT is delivered with warmth and flexibility. Sessions are tailored to each individual, combining evidence-based tools with space for reflection and growth. Kerry's MSc training and experience allow CBT to be adapted sensitively to different age groups and levels of need, including one-to-one work with young people, adults and parents.

Specialist services for families and systems under pressure
Cherry Lane provides therapy not just for individuals but for the wider system. That might mean working with foster carers, support staff or residential home teams, helping families manage crisis or prevent breakdown, or supporting professionals to hold therapeutic boundaries in emotionally demanding environments.

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As part of our commitment to the wider community, we offer a space where like-minded professionals can come together to work, reflect and support others. Our comfortable, well-equipped therapy and meeting rooms are available to hire, providing a calm, private environment for therapists, counsellors, coaches and practitioners. Whether it is for one-to-one client work, small group sessions or professional supervision, these rooms are part of our vision for Cherry Lane to be a hub of connection, care and shared purpose in the town.

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We deliver professional training and workshops in ReAttach, NVR and CBT. These are suitable for professionals working in social care, education and residential settings, and can be adapted to suit team needs, service priorities or individual learning goals.

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We work with:

• Adults, children and young people in care or on the edge of care

• Children and young people in general

• Families facing breakdown, trauma or long-term stress

• Adults managing anxiety, emotional regulation or mental health challenges

• People wanting to overcome personal barriers or reach new goals

• Professionals and staff teams in social care, education or residential settings​

"The aim is simple... to create steadier ground for those who have had too little of it, and to support people in becoming the strongest version of themselves."

Kerry Shoesmith