Counselling & Coaching for Children and Young People

Regular dedicated space to feel safe, to feel heard, to identify what you need and express who you are. Together.

Development is process we all go through: biologically, cognitively, emotionally, socially and morally. However, each of us have a unique nature, varying personal circumstances, different environmental dynamics, and individual experiences. For many children and young people elements of this can be a challenge, overwhelming, and can have an impact on their wellbeing, so one to one support with a professional can be hugely beneficial.

From around the age of 9 years old, hormonal developments start to take place, cognitive perceptions and emotional experiences evolve, bringing a new awareness of themselves alongside their peers, and in relation with their parents. Not forgetting their exposure and responses to mobile phones, gaming, social media and the broader national and international news in the world we live in, and the effects this can have on them, their family or friends.

Data shows that one in four young people in England have a mental health condition, however these numbers can be reduced through early intervention and providing effective guidance and support for those who show signs of requiring this.

Children and young people need to be heard, to feel validated, to feel comfortable and content in who they are, to be able to have meaningful connection with others, and be themselves. Adolescence is a time of self identity formation. Peers become a substantial factor, and teenagers need to gradually feel a sense of independence from parents, whilst still unconsciously requiring boundaries that make them feel secure and loved. Parents naturally want to ensure their children are happy, safe and that they will make choices they deem to be suitable in society, however it’s not straightforward. For some, it can be a rollercoaster of an experience.

The reason for considering counselling for your child or young person will be as unique as they are, there are also some common areas for this being effective:

• Transitions – such as primary to secondary school, moving, parental separation, or loss

• Emotions – high emotions, such as anxiety/fear, stress, sadness, anger, justice, or repressed emotions such as depression or dissociation, and self harm

• Behavioural difficulties – whether at home or at school, or difficulty with attending school

• Relationship difficulties – with friends, family, boyfriends/girlfriends

• Diversity and inclusion – feeling in a minority due to culture, abilities, disabilities, illness, spiritually, neurodivergence, sexual or identity orientation

This is time for your child or young person to have some regular  therapeutic space, for as many weeks or months as they need, to have someone to open up to confidentially about things they find difficult or upsetting, to help them to learn about themselves, their emotions, any negative thoughts or feelings, how to help their mental health, and find resilience so they can have a content-full everyday life.

A combined approach of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Person Centred Counselling, Life Coaching, and other tools and techniques, are used in a one-to-one setting, tailoring relevantly to each unique individual. Really connecting with your child.

Not all children are comfortable just sitting and talking, so various activities can take place during a session, based on a child’s preference.

A phone call is typically arranged with a parent or carer prior to the first session, giving you the opportunity to present information about your child, their background and circumstances, and ask any questions. After this, sessions are one to one with your child or young person. Professional advice or signposting can be provided during or on completion of sessions, but session content remains confidential. Any safeguarding is obviously applied as necessary.