I offer counselling to children and young people, having worked within the Education field for over 20 years in a number of roles such as Careers information and advice, as a Learning Mentor and as a School Counsellor. I will offer you a confidential service; we will talk about what this means at our first meeting.
How does counselling for young people differ from adult counselling?
When we are younger we tend to be more ‘in touch’ with our creativity and sometimes prefer to work using fewer words and more activity. If you were to work with me, we would together, decide what you wanted to achieve from counselling. I work in a way which is called Person-centred. This means that when you work with me I will listen without making judgements, you decide what you bring to counselling and what you want to share. I work in a gentle and supportive way, although at times it may also be challenging, but I hope you will feel safe and supported.
You choose what you do or talk about in each session. We may use a wide range of resources, such as art, music, drama, imagery, stories, play, clay, but there are lots of other ways to work too. You may have some ideas of your own – you choose. Sometimes it’s hard to put into words our feelings or experiences so we use these things to help you understand your feelings, emotions, behaviour or experiences you have had or are going through. You may feel unsure or worried about where to start when you come into counselling. That’s ok, it’s quite normal; I can help support you and we will work together so you get the most out of counselling.
These are some examples of why young people come into counselling:
- Worries and anxieties
- OCD
- Bullying
- Self harm
- Depression
- School worries
- Loss/bereavement
- Parental/carer divorce or separation
- Relationship issues
- Trauma
- Ill health
- Learning difficulties