Counselling and therapeutic support tailored to children and young people, providing a safe space to explore feelings, experiences and challenges in a way that feels right for them.
Counselling for Children & Young People
Growing up can sometimes feel overwhelming. Children and young people may struggle to understand or express what they are feeling, particularly when things are changing at home, school or within relationships.
Counselling offers a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where young people can explore what is happening for them at their own pace. Sessions don’t have to mean sitting and talking — we can use creative activities, games, cards, sensory resources and other ways of communicating that feel more comfortable.
I adapt the way I work to suit each young person, recognising that everyone is different. The aim is to help them better understand their feelings, develop confidence and coping strategies, and feel more able to manage the things they are facing.
How Can Counselling Help
Therapy Doesn’t Have to Mean Just Talking
Every child and young person is different, and sitting and talking isn’t always the easiest place to start.
Some young people find it easier to express themselves through creative or practical activities, or simply by having something to do while we talk. Sessions can include games, therapeutic cards, sensory resources, sand work and LEGO®, depending on their age, interests and what feels comfortable for them.
There is no pressure to talk or to use any particular activity. Some young people prefer conversation, some find it easier to communicate while doing something, and others move naturally between the two. I work at their pace, shaping sessions around the individual young person rather than expecting them to fit a particular way of doing therapy.
My work draws primarily from Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy, alongside creative and sensory approaches. Where appropriate, I can also incorporate hypnotherapy, relaxation, breathing and guided imagery, offering additional ways to support emotional regulation, confidence, anxiety and other difficulties.
What To Expect
Starting counselling can feel a little daunting, particularly for a child or young person who isn’t sure what to expect. The first sessions are about getting to know one another and helping them feel comfortable in the space. There is no expectation for them to talk about difficult things straight away. We work at their pace, gradually building trust and finding the ways of communicating and working together that feel right for them.
Where appropriate, I work alongside parents/carers while respecting the young person’s privacy and therapeutic space.
For Parents & Carers
It can be difficult to know how best to support a child or young person when they are struggling, and you may understandably have questions about counselling and how you will be involved.
Alongside my counselling work, I bring many years of experience working with children, young people and families, including within Health Visiting and School Nursing teams. I have also delivered parenting programmes and undertaken training in a range of approaches including Webster-Stratton, Triple P, the Solihull Approach and Thrive. This experience helps me to understand not only the young person, but the wider family, developmental and school context around them.
Where appropriate, I work collaboratively with parents and carers while also respecting the young person’s need for a private and trusting therapeutic space. At the beginning, we can discuss how counselling will work, confidentiality and how parents or carers can best support the therapeutic process.
My aim is not to tell parents how to parent, but to work alongside families to help children and young people feel understood, supported and better able to manage the challenges they are facing.
Sessions & Fees
Children & Young People
50 minutes
Young people aged 11-17 years
Face-to-Fcae
£65
Hypnotherapy
50 minutes
Young people aged 11-17 years
£65
Free Consultation
20 minutes
Telephone Consultation
A chance to ask questions, discuss your child or
young person’s needs and see whether I may be the right person to support them.
Free
A limited number of concessionary space are available for students, Key Workers and those experiencing financial difficulty. Please ask about availability.
There’s no obligation to continue after your initial consultation. If you decide counselling feels right for you, we can arrange a first session at a time that works for you.