Children and Young people
Counselling for Children, Teens and Young Adults
Seeing your child hurting can be one of the most upsetting things to experience as a parent or carer. Alongside that, there can be feelings of helplessness and not knowing where or who to turn to for help and support. Then, once you decide to take the plunge and contact a Counsellor there can often be the fear of 'what if it is something I have done' and 'what will the Counsellor think of me and my parenting'.
Working with children and young people is an absolute passion of mine and I love getting to know the children I work with, finding out about their interests and learning to play their favourite games (often getting unceremoniously beaten!). I am a qualified CYP counsellor, which means I have undergone specialised training to work with children and young people from age 5-25 years.
Parents and carers are vital part of the child's world so, prior to your child's first session, I will meet with you to find out a bit more about them, what is bringing them to counselling and what their interests are, to make sure I have things they like easily available in the first sessions. I will also talk to you about your experiences as a parent. Parenting is hard work and the cliché that there is no manual is very true. People often present the best versions of themselves to the outside world when the reality can be very different and this can feel isolating to parents who are seeing their child distressed, many times fearing that people are judging them. My work is non-judgemental and led with kindness and compassion. It will be a confidential space for you to talk to me about what is going on and any worries or concerns you may have.
I will work with your child, first of all to show them that I am an adult that they can trust, then working to fully establish and build that trusting relationship with them. If there is no relationship, there will be no therapy. The work is child-led and informed by research. I take my training and development very seriously and do regular CPD to make sure my work is current and the best I can offer your child.
I hold a full enhanced DBS and am a trained DSL.
Want to Find out More?
You can contact me for a free 15 minute consultation to see how I can help your child and support you.
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working with neurodivergence
Neurodivergence
I have both a personal and professional interest in neurodivergence and have undergone significant training in neurodivergence including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. All my training has been led by autistic and neurodivergent trainers and I have significant lived-experience too. I have a particular interest in autism in girls and women.
I always work with the neurodivergent client, ensuring I understand any sensory needs before we start work eg the need for temperature regulation, no harsh lighting, fidgets available. Clients are welcome to bring their own comfort items to sessions.
My work begins with identity and acceptance of self as many neurodivergent people come to me with significant trauma from being ostracised or made to feel different or an outsider due to their neurodivergent traits and needs. Stimming is welcome and clients will never be made to feel uncomfortable or bad for who they are.
I do not subscribe to or use ABA or any behaviour-based treatments. Rather, I work with the individual in an affirming way, leading with kindness and acceptance.
I have significant experience of working with schools to support neurodivergent students and would be happy to undertake work specifically around schools and accommodations.
