Counselling for children involves talking, creativity, playing, drawing, and sand tray activities. Children can choose whether they want to express themselves through activities or to mainly talk. Some young people prefer to do more talking, but for some children, they might to have the words to express their feelings and experiences- this is where the creative stuff really helps. We have lots of therapeutic ways to play and explore that allow children to process feelings and events without them needing to say it.

What can counselling help with?

People come to counselling for many different reasons. This might include:

• Anxiety, stress and feeling overwhelmed

• Low mood and depression

• Confidence and self-esteem

• Friendship difficulties

• School avoidance

• Family difficulties

• Bereavement and loss

• Life changes and transitions

• Trauma and difficult experiences

• Anger and emotional regulation

• Work-related stress and burnout

• Feeling stuck or lost

• Understanding feelings and behaviour

• Difficulties adjusting to change

How does it work?

You will come into the first session with your child. This gives the young person a chance to meet the counsellor, check out the space and settle in. We also use this time to discuss contracts and explain for both the adults and the child how counselling works. Once the paperwork has been done and the child is settled, we will get the caregiver to leave the room, and the session will start.

The content of the sessions are not shared with parents; however, key themes may be discussed and we always share any strategies or techniques for use at home. An exception to this is where there is a safeguarding concern or a risk to safety, which of course is always shared with the necessary adults and professionals.

Children aren’t taught how to manage their emotions. We love helping children to gain the tools to understand their emotions and celebrate who they are.