What age can a child start counselling?

I offer counselling for children as young as 6 - 11 years old, as well as teenagers aged 12–17. Sessions are adapted to suit each child's developmental stage, communication style, and individual needs, helping them feel comfortable and supported throughout the counselling process.

​

How do I know if my child or teenager may benefit from counselling?

Children and young people may benefit from counselling if they are experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, emotional outbursts, low self-esteem, friendship difficulties, school-related stress, bereavement, family changes, or challenges linked to neurodiversity. Counselling can provide a safe space to explore feelings, develop coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.

​

Do I need a referral for my child to access counselling?

No referral is required. Parents, carers, or young people over 16 can contact me directly to discuss their needs and arrange an initial appointment.

​

What happens during the first appointment?

The first few sessions are focused on helping the child or young person feel comfortable and building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Rather than immediately exploring difficult experiences, I take time to get to know them, their interests, personality, and preferred ways of communicating. However, if a child or young person wishes to talk about what has brought them to counselling from the outset, there is always space for this.

​

Many children and young people are used to relationships with adults that involve expectations, assessment, or instruction, particularly in school settings. Counselling offers something different: a space where they can feel accepted, listened to, and understood without judgement or pressure. Taking time to establish safety and trust helps create the foundations for meaningful therapeutic work and allows sessions to develop at a pace that feels right for them.

​

How many counselling sessions will my child need?

The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the issues they wish to explore. Some children and young people benefit from short-term support, while others may find longer-term counselling helpful. This is something we can review together as the work progresses.

​

What approaches do you use when working with children and teenagers?

I work in an integrative and person-centred way, tailoring sessions to the needs of each child or young person. Depending on the individual, this may include talking therapy, creative activities, play-based techniques, art, writing, and other expressive approaches that support communication and emotional exploration.

​

Do you work with neurodivergent children and young people?

Yes. I provide neurodiversity-affirming counselling and support children and young people who are autistic, have ADHD, are awaiting assessment, or are exploring their neurodivergent identity. My approach is adapted to meet individual communication, sensory, and emotional needs.

​

Are counselling sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and helps create a safe and trusting environment. For young people, confidentiality will be explained in an age-appropriate way. There are some legal and ethical exceptions where information may need to be shared if there are concerns about someone's safety or wellbeing, and these will be discussed at the outset.

​

Can parents or carers be involved in the counselling process?

Yes. Where appropriate, I work collaboratively with parents and carers while maintaining the child or young person's confidentiality and trust. The level of involvement will depend on their age, needs, and what is most beneficial for the therapeutic process.

​

I also offer occasional feedback calls with parents or carers to discuss how things are progressing, share general observations, and explore ways to support the child or young person outside of counselling. These conversations do not include the specific content of sessions unless this has been agreed with the young person or there is a concern about safety. My aim is to strike a balance between keeping parents informed and preserving a safe, confidential space where the child or young person feels comfortable to talk openly.

​

Do you work with schools and colleges?

Yes. With appropriate consent, I can liaise with schools, colleges, and other professionals involved in supporting a child or young person. Collaborative working can sometimes help create a more consistent and effective support network.

​

My child or young person has been referred to CAMHS or is on a waiting list. Can they still attend counselling?

Yes. Many children and young people access counselling while they are waiting for support from CAMHS or other specialist services. Waiting times can sometimes be lengthy, and counselling can provide a valuable space for emotional support during this period.

​

Counselling can help children and young people explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, build resilience, and feel supported while they are awaiting further assessment or intervention. It can also provide an opportunity to address challenges that may be impacting their wellbeing, relationships, education, or daily life.

​

If your child or young person is already involved with CAMHS or another professional service, I can work alongside this support where appropriate. My approach is always guided by what is in the best interests of the child or young person and their individual needs. Attending counselling does not affect their place on a waiting list or their ability to access other services.

 

What makes your approach different?

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent many years working in supportive roles alongside children and young people, building relationships, listening to their experiences, and helping them feel safe, understood, and valued. This experience continues to shape the way I work today.

​

I place a strong emphasis on building trust and getting to know each child or young person as an individual, rather than focusing solely on difficulties or diagnoses. I believe meaningful therapeutic work begins when a young person feels genuinely accepted and comfortable enough to be themselves.

​

Alongside my professional experience, I am also a parent to neurodivergent children. This gives me both personal and professional insight into the strengths, challenges, and unique experiences that neurodivergent children, young people, and their families may face. Together, these experiences help me offer a warm, flexible, and compassionate approach that is tailored to each individual.

​

​

Where are counselling sessions held?

Sessions take place at my counselling room at Bridge House, Riverside North, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1AB. The practice is located on the ground floor and has a comfortable reception area for parents and carers.

 

How do I book an appointment?

You can get in touch via my contact page, email, or telephone to arrange an initial consultation or ask any questions about counselling for your child or teenager. I am happy to discuss your concerns and help you decide whether counselling is the right support at this time.