About Us

Smiling woman with long brown hair in blazer.

Elaine McCrisken, Founder

Strive NI was founded by Elaine McCrisken in 2020 with a simple aim: to help children, young people and the adults around them better understand social and emotional needs.


Elaine's work is informed by extensive professional study across psychology including:

  • BSc (Hons) Psychology
  • MSc Applied Psychology (with Mental Health & Psychological Therapies)
  • MSc Autistic Spectrum Disorders
  • PGCert Therapeutic Play


Though as Elaine herself says, you could do all the qualifications in the world, then go out into reality and it can be a different story trying to apply the knowledge!  Elaine reflects vastly on her experiences working within the NHS (Children's Psychological Services) and education locally.

 Our approach:


Child-centred

We start with the individual child rather than any label

Compassionate

Understanding behaviour rather than simply trying to change it

Practical

Strategies that work in real family and school environments

Collaborative

Working together with children, parents, schools and other professionals.