Our Story
The Youth Untroubled team initially developed the ISTAC model (also known as Systemic Integrative Treatment) in 2017, whilst working at the Brandon Centre, London. Following extensive experience facilitating Multi-systemic Therapy® (MST) and various other clinical models and approaches to addressing complex childhood and family issues, ISTAC was developed in accordance with NICE guidelines to better meet the needs of children and families with complex and multiple problems and ultimately reduce out-of-home placements for children deemed beyond parental control. The model has been commissioned by several local authorities and mental health trusts across London, and nationally by F-CAMHS, and has been evaluated in a study by the Youth Endowment Fund.
In 2022, the Youth Untroubled founders decided the time had come to expand provision of the model outside of London - and Youth Untroubled Ltd was born. We also started adapting the original model so that other children, young people and young adults with differing complex needs could benefit from our intensive, goal-orientated, community-based, multi-systems approach to assessing, treating and overcoming problems.
We have since devised various adaptations of the model, including brief interventions such as 1:1 parenting workshops and consultations. The Youth Untroubled team are currently providing ISTAC across the South of England, London and the Midlands, and piloting ISTAC Schools and Colleges (ISTAC SAC) in Sussex, as well as brief parenting support services and interventions, and specialist consultation and training for other professionals, nationally.
Meet the Team
Natasha Gold
Founder & Clinical Consultant
With over 15 years’ experience providing therapy, consultation and training across NHS, charity and private sectors, Natasha
developed and fully manualised the SIT/ISTAC model in 2020 before founding Youth Untroubled in 2023.
Natasha's favourite pastimes include dueting Disney power ballads with her little girl, dancing around the kitchen, and enjoying organic wines - not always at the same time.
Una O'Brien
Director & Clinical Consultant
Una has over 15 years’ clinical experience, including working as a specialist NHS CAMHS clinician, family therapist and the SIT service lead at the Brandon Centre. She has also provided expert assessments for children affected by domestic violence and abuse, for the family courts.
Una's guilty pleasures include (but are in no way limited to) luxury travel, pizza for breakfast and always, shopping for clothes.
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Carly MacDonald
Director & Clinical Consultant
With nearly 20 years experience in NHS, public, and private sectors, Carly has worked in secure accommodation and inpatient settings, community-based crisis intervention, and systemic family therapy. She has been the SIT Service Lead at the Brandon Centre for 5 years and is an expert risk assessor for domestic abuse cases in court.
Carly is a true thalassophile, she is happiest when near/on/in the sea and swears by a regular cold water plunge!