Child Therapy

Counselling for children and Adolescents

Children from a young age and into their teens may face difficulty with a variety of issues that they need someone to speak to in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. Some of the issues that children of all ages come to counselling for are:

family problems, divorce and separation, relationships with blended families, bereavement, anxiety and depression, friendship issues, bullying, low self-confidence/self-esteem, exams and schoolwork, identity issues or anxiety about sexual abuse, or anger/behavioural problems.

Many children may struggle at some stage of their lives, however, children can be extremely resilient and usually recover in the natural course of time with the support of their friends, family and school. There are times that children need help and may benefit from talking to a trained child counsellor when they find it particularly difficult to recover from these upsets and it stops them from returning to their normal lives.

What does Child Therapy involve?

The counsellor will meet with one or both of the parents or main carer at the first session to discuss the problem and agree on the best way forward.  The child will then meet with the counsellor, who will aim to develop a safe and trusting relationship where the child can have the opportunity to talk or express what is troubling them and explore ways of coping and dealing with the issues.   Counselling gives the child the chance to talk through things with someone who listens and gives them the opportunity to understand their feelings, emotions and what is happening in their lives.

Many children often find it hard to put their feelings into words, or sometimes they only know they feel sad but may not know what the problem is. Counselling children usually involves a different process from adults as it may involve using non-directive play therapy using art materials, sand, stones, or toys.   In these sessions we let the child take the lead and work with whatever they bring to the session.  The aim of the therapy is to find a way forward where the child feels better able to cope. Using play and art encourages children to feel comfortable and plays an important part in order for them to express themselves.

The number of sessions will be agreed upon between the child, the counsellor and the parent/carer. These will be reviewed regularly throughout the process.  The child’s needs and wishes are central to the process at all times.

What are the Benefits?

Counselling gives children the opportunity to explore in a safe and non-judgmental environment a wide range of issues that may be having a detrimental effect on their mental health and emotional well-being.   Having the opportunity to talk to someone other than a parent is sometimes very helpful for children.  Counselling can help them to express and make sense of their thoughts and feelings so that they are better able to cope with their problems.

Booking and Cancellation 

Full payment for your first therapy session will be taken in advance, at the time of booking.

As our appointments are in high demand, we require at least 48 hours notice to cancel your appointment.

Where 48 hours or more notice has been given, your session fee will be refunded less a cancellation fee of £10.00.

Where less than 48 hours notice is given, the session will be charged in full and there will be no refund