Children and Young People Counselling
Taking the First Step
If you are concerned about your child or young person's emotional wellbeing, support is available. Please feel free to get in touch to arrange an initial conversation and explore whether counselling may be helpful.
Children and young people can face many challenges as they grow and develop. Difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, friendship issues, bullying, family changes, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem, and school-related pressures can affect emotional wellbeing and everyday life.
Counselling provides a safe, supportive, and confidential space where children and young people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a qualified counsellor. I offer face-to-face counselling for children and young people up to the age of 16 and online counselling for young people aged 16 and over.
Growing up can bring many challenges.
Children and young people may experience emotional, social, educational, or family difficulties that can affect their wellbeing, relationships, confidence, and ability to cope.
Counselling provides a safe, supportive, and confidential space where children and young people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
I offer face-to-face counselling for children and young people up to the age of 16 and online counselling for young people aged 16 and over.
How Counselling Can Help
Children and young people may benefit from counselling if they are experiencing:
Anxiety and worry
Panic attacks
Low mood or depression
Difficulties at school or college
Friendship difficulties
Bullying
Family changes or separation
Bereavement and loss
Low self-esteem and confidence
Emotional regulation difficulties
Trauma or adverse life experiences
Self-harm or thoughts of self-harm
Feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope
Sometimes young people know exactly what is troubling them. At other times, they simply know that something does not feel right. Counselling can provide a space to make sense of those experiences.
Trauma-Informed Support
Many emotional and behavioural difficulties can be linked to experiences that have felt overwhelming, frightening, confusing, or unsafe.
Trauma-informed counselling recognises the impact that these experiences can have on a child's or young person's emotional wellbeing, relationships, confidence, and sense of safety.
Sessions focus on creating a supportive therapeutic relationship where young people can feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Counselling for Children Under 16
For children and young people under 16, counselling is provided face-to-face.
Younger children often communicate through a combination of talking, creativity, and age-appropriate therapeutic activities. Sessions are adapted to the developmental needs of each child and focus on creating a safe and supportive environment.
Online Counselling for Young People Aged 16+
Online counselling offers flexibility and accessibility while maintaining the same professional and confidential therapeutic support.
Many young people find online counselling convenient and comfortable, allowing them to access support from a familiar environment.
Find out more about online counselling here
Confidentiality and Working with Parents
Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and helps young people feel safe enough to talk openly.
The limits of confidentiality will always be explained at the beginning of counselling. Information would only be shared where there are safeguarding concerns, serious risks of harm, or legal requirements to do so.
Where appropriate, parents and carers may be involved in supporting the counselling process while respecting the young person's right to privacy.
What Happens Next?
The first step is usually an initial conversation to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and consider whether counselling feels like the right support.
Together we can explore the needs of the child or young person and identify the most appropriate way forward.