Counselling for Children and Young People in West Berkshire.
If something is making your child unhappy, however small, it deserves to be heard.
I have a wealth of experience in working with Children & Young People aged11+. Having spent several years as a Secondary School teacher, I now combine my private counselling practice with working in a local counselling agency with 11 - 25 year olds. I also work as a School Counsellor.
My Young Person counselling sessions offer young people a safe space to discuss and work through anything they may be struggling with. This could include family or school worries, anger, exam stress, relationships, self esteem, gender, sexuality and Identity issues, as well as mental health concerns like anxiety, low mood/depression and self-harm.
By creating a confidential, unbiased space where a young person is able to talk through their concerns without fear of judgement away from their home and school life, child counselling can help children understand their emotions and feelings better, develop helpful coping skills and build emotional resilience; things that will help them deal with stress, challenges and intense emotions and serve them well into adulthood.
“It's the children the world almost breaks who grow up to save it.”
Frank Warren
Some of the things child counselling can help with are:
Everyday worries
Depression & Low Mood
Anxiety
School
Neurodivergence/Autism/ADHD
Managing exam stress
Friendships
Relationship issues with family, friends, peers.
Confidence levels
Body Image
Self Harm
Suicidal Thoughts
Bullying
Learning Difficulties
Anger
Identity/Gender/Sexuality
Childhood Bereavement
Attachment and Separation Anxiety
Trauma and traumatic experiences
Self-esteem
Feeling of not Fitting In
Worries anout the Future
Phobias
Stress
Parental Divorce
Family Changes
Academic Pressure
Panic Attacks
Social Anxiety
Feeling Sad
Feeling Worthless
Jealousy
Loneliness
Transitional Phases
Conflict
Sleeping Issues
Insomnia
Coping Skills
The methods used in sessions will depend on the child’s age, situation and development. There are a number of tools that may be used to encourage children to express their feelings better, such as creative tools, such as Sandplay, art and games. Together, we will develop a toolbox they can rely on.
Older children and adolescents may prefer talking therapy or a mixture of talking and creative methods to express their feelings. This is down to the young person and the counsellor, who will discuss the situation together to learn what will be most beneficial. I offer a space where young people's strong and difficult feelings will be heard and acknowledged, without judgement. We can work collaboratively to challenge negative beliefs, replace them with more positive and realistic ones and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.
Although different methods may be used for child counselling, the aim of counselling for both children/young people and adults is the same; to help the individual understand and cope better with their feelings, increase resiliency and live a more fulfilling life.
Please Note: Parents of Under 14 year olds will be required to remain on site. There is no waiting room, however ample parking is available.
“I wish that I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.”
Hafiz
What to look for in a Child Counsellor?
While some aspects of counselling remain the same regardless of age, there are certain issues, developmental intricacies and laws relating to children/young people, that often require an alternative approach. I have experience and specialized training in Child/Youth counselling, which provides me with the necessary skills to work safely and effectively with young people.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you, and whether I am the right therapist to help.
All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential, using secure phone and email services.