CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Younger minds sometimes need help too!
As a teacher of 13 years, I'm all too aware of the long waitlists and endless paperwork to access emtional or mental health support for children. I offer therapeutic support for young people aged 5-18, without having to wait for CAMHS or MindMate referrals.
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I have had many, many years practice making young people feel secure and comfortable. I work therapeutically in creative ways. This is still counselling but delivered and accessed in a way that meets the young person where they are. In working this way, young people are able to explore their emotions and experiences, and together we can make sense of what might be going on for them.
WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN A COUNSELLING SESSION FOR MY CHILD?
We begin with a welcome into the session with parents/carers. We have a gentle, informal collaborative chat about the week - any highs, lows or moments of significance for both the adults and the child.
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Adults take seat in the waiting area and the child and I might play a game, do some creative work or continue on a project we've started. This is child-led. Through this we engage in chat and exploration. I will be gently curious and help a child discuss what they might be feeling. A lot of the story telling will probably happen, with key questions from me. I try to bring our discussions into the present context of the the child's world, to facilitate the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
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We might engage in a different activity that links to our discussion - feelings recognition, challenge cards, sand tray work, for example - before chatting about the coming week. I will do a little grouding work with the child before closing.
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Parents/carers are invited back in, anything significant is discussed with the agreement and participation of the child. Otherwise we have an optimistic chat about our hopes for the coming week and say a warm "see you later aligator!"
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Get in touch if this feels like something you'd like to explore for you or a loved one. I offer a free 30 minute video call to chat through concerns.