Are you interested in counselling for your child or young person? Or maybe you are under 18 and looking for counselling for yourself?
I work in alignment with the BACPs competency for children and young people aged 11-18 years. Counselling sessions are confidential and the young person needs to know that they can talk openly. The young person’s privacy is respected however i work in the knowledge that the parent/carer/ is a big part of their external environment and i’m open to communication with parent/carers too.
I invite both parent and young person to come to the initial assessment. We will go through how counselling works and i will gather information about reasons for counselling at this time. Then we would make an agreement to work together and set away with our first session. I recommend a minimum of 6 sessions, to safely unpack any presenting issues.
As an Integrative Counsellor, i take my lead from the client, and i will respond by offering creative ways to process and regulate feelings, including mindfulness, breathing, making art, journaling, playing games and following the young person’s interests and the way they can express their identity. But this is all based on a space to open up and be heard. A space to work through what is troubling and find a new place within, and a clearer path ahead.
There is also an option, with the consent of the young person to invite the parent to the 6 week review session, so there is a space for open dialogue and the young person can use the safe space to feedback to their parent/carer if they want to.
If there was an issue of significant safety to the young person or anyone else I would need to escalate that to the right external person. I would seek to preserve trust and gain the young person’s consent before involving others. Safeguarding is monitored responsibly and sensitively and is part of the transparent confidentiality agreement made at the start, between counsellor, young person and parent.
FAQs for Parents and Guardians
How does it work?
Sessions take place weekly in a safe and confidential space eithor in person for between 50 mins -1 hour. The purpose is to enable young people to express how they feel in an accepting and non-judgemental space. Potentially they may want to explore changing their perspective, thinking or behaviour that isnt working. This could involve learning new “tools” to help, like managing reactions and impulse behaviour and finding a sense of resilience or calm. We will set goals and review every 6 weeks.
Why can’t my child talk to me?
Often its a warm, kind, safe, unfamilliar space that enables a person to open up. There is less of a need to censor, or protect other peoples feelings. However getting behind your child’s need for privacy can really help give them permission to open up. The counselling is a neutral, non judgemental space.
Is it OK to ask my child about the sessions?
Its probably best to let them bring up the subject first, they may wish to talk about what has been going on in the sessions, but its good to give them the lead on that. After the session they will need space to process, and they might be more upset initially as this happens. Helping them self soothe, by doing their “happy place” thing can be supportive.
Can I be in touch about how the sessions are going?
If you feel concerned about your child or have information of importance concerning his or her well-being or safety, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself.
Where do we start?
We start with a 30 minute assessment with parent/carer and young person present. We will find out what the presenting issues are and go through consent forms and contracts. I recommend a minimum of 6 weekly sessions, however there is no tie and your child can leave at any time. I ask that we take one session to end and reflect on what we have done, as this is such an important piece in the therapy process.
If you have any further questions about what is involved in the counselling, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I am a registered member of BACP and work under the BACP competency for working with young people age 11-18 years. I have full enhanced DBS clearance for working with both children and adults. All of my work is supervised by a specialist in CYP counselling.
Hi, I’m just an email away, so get in touch to ask any questions or book a free online 30 minute consultation session.
clairekelly90@gmail.com
Counselling for adults & young people 