Counselling for Children & Young People
Growing up isn't always easy. School, friendships, family life, social media and the pressure to fit in can sometimes make emotions feel overwhelming or difficult to explain.
Counselling offers a safe, supportive space where children and young people can be themselves, explore what they're experiencing and feel genuinely heard without judgement.
A Space to Be Yourself
Counselling that doesn't have to feel like counselling
Talking about difficult feelings isn't always easy, especially when you don't quite know how to explain what's happening. You don't need to arrive with the right words, know where to start or talk about anything before you're ready.
My approach is warm, approachable and person-centred. Depending on your age and what feels comfortable, sessions can include conversation alongside creative activities, visual tools, metaphors, writing, mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
You don't have to sit and talk for the whole session. We'll find ways of exploring what you're experiencing that feel comfortable for you.
Building trust comes first. We'll work together at your pace.
And yes... there may be a cat! 🐾
Mildred, my cat, may occasionally join us during an online session. If having your own pet nearby helps you feel more relaxed, they're very welcome too.
Sometimes having a furry friend beside you can make talking just that little bit easier.
What Can Counselling Help With?
You don't need one big reason to ask for support
Sometimes you know exactly what's troubling you. Sometimes you just know that something doesn't feel right. Both are completely valid reasons to talk.
- Anxiety or constant worry
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Feeling overwhelmed
- School or academic pressure
- Friendship difficulties
- Problems at home
- Family separation or changes
- Grief or loss
- Anger or frustration
- Loneliness or isolation
- Difficult relationships
- Changes in mood or behaviour
- Managing difficult emotions
- Difficult experiences that are hard to process
- Feeling like nobody really understands
15 Years Supporting Children & Young People
Understanding what may be happening beneath the surface
I've spent 15 years working with children and young people, giving me a real understanding of the world they live in, the pressures they can face and the different ways they communicate when something isn't quite right.
Not everyone says, "I'm struggling." Sometimes it appears as anger, anxiety, withdrawal or changes in behaviour. Sometimes a young person simply stops seeming like themselves.
My experience has taught me to look beyond the behaviour and listen to what might be happening underneath.
Emma - bringing 15 years of experience, understanding and genuine care to supporting children and young people.
For Parents & Carers
You know your child best
Watching your child struggle can be difficult. You may have noticed changes in their mood, behaviour, confidence, friendships or school life. Perhaps they're becoming more anxious, withdrawing from others, experiencing big emotions or simply don't seem like themselves.
It's natural to wonder whether it's a phase, whether you're worrying unnecessarily or what you should do to help.
You don't have to work it out alone. You also don't need to know exactly what's wrong before getting in touch. Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation about what you've noticed and whether counselling could help.
Not sure what's wrong?
You don't need to have all the answers before asking for help.
What Happens Before Counselling Begins?
Before counselling begins, we'll make sure both you and your child understand what to expect and feel comfortable with the process.
1
Initial Conversation
We'll start with a conversation with the parent or carer about what's happening, what you've noticed and any concerns you have.
It's an opportunity to ask questions and consider whether counselling feels like the right support.
2
Understanding the Process
I'll explain how I work, practical arrangements, confidentiality and safeguarding, and how communication between myself, the young person and parent or carer will work.
There's no pressure to make a decision straight away.
3
Building Trust
If counselling begins, creating a safe and accepting relationship comes first. Your child won't be forced to discuss anything they're not ready for and we'll work at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
Parents and carers remain an important part of their support while the young person also has the space they need to talk openly.
Confidentiality & Safeguarding
A Safe and Confidential Space
Confidentiality is an important part of building trust. Young people need to know they can speak honestly without everything they say automatically being passed on to somebody else.
Understanding Confidentiality
Counselling provides a private space where young people can talk openly and honestly. Respecting that privacy is an important part of developing trust and helping them feel comfortable within their sessions.
When Confidentiality Has Limits
There are limits to confidentiality where there is a concern about a young person's safety or the safety of another person. These boundaries will always be explained clearly from the beginning, so everyone understands what to expect.
Safe space • Clear boundaries • Open communication
- Safe space -
- Clear boundaries -
- Open communication -
Not Sure Whether Counselling Is Right for Them?
You don't need a diagnosis, a crisis or all the answers before getting in touch. If you're concerned about your child or young person, we can start with a simple conversation about what's happening and whether I might be the right person to support them.
No judgement. No pressure. Just a conversation about what might help.
