Therapy with Young People (12+)
Why choose me?
I have always been passionate about supporting children and young people to feel heard, understood and valued.
Alongside my counselling practice, I volunteered with Childline for four years as both an online and telephone counsellor and later worked for the organisation in this role for over a year. During this time, I supported young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties and was commended for my work in online counselling, helping to develop guidance and training for this area of the service.
I have also spent two years supporting children within a primary school setting, using creative activities and play to help them express themselves and explore their emotions. I recently volunteered as a mentor with Flourish, supporting girls to build confidence, self-esteem and a stronger sense of self-worth.
Every young person is unique, and I believe they deserve a space where they can be accepted exactly as they are. My aim is to offer a warm, supportive relationship where they feel safe enough to explore whatever is going on for them, without judgement or pressure.
What happens if my teenager doesn't want to talk?
Many young people arrive feeling nervous, unsure about counselling or uncertain about what they want to say. Some may not have chosen to come themselves, while others simply find it difficult to put their feelings into words.
There is no expectation that a young person has to talk about everything straight away. Building trust takes time, and I believe it is important that they are able to move at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
Counselling is not about forcing conversations or finding quick answers. Sometimes the most important part of the process is creating a space where a young person feels accepted, listened to and understood. From there, confidence often grows naturally.
Where appropriate, I may introduce creative activities, reflection exercises or other gentle ways of exploring thoughts and feelings, but there is always choice and flexibility. My role is to meet each young person where they are and work in a way that feels right for them.
Will I be told what they say?
I understand that as a parent or carer, it can feel difficult to step back and not know exactly what is being discussed in counselling. Wanting to understand how your young person is feeling and whether they are okay comes from a place of care and concern.
For counselling to be effective, young people need to feel confident that they have a private space where they can speak openly and honestly. For this reason, I do not routinely share the content of counselling sessions with parents or carers.
What I can offer is reassurance about the counselling process, opportunities to discuss any concerns you may have, and communication about practical matters where appropriate.
If I become concerned that a young person is at risk of serious harm, or that someone else may be at risk, confidentiality may need to be broken in order to keep people safe. Wherever possible, I would seek to involve the young person in these conversations and be open about any steps that need to be taken.
My experience has shown that when young people know their privacy will be respected, they are often better able to explore their thoughts and feelings honestly, helping them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and build confidence in their own voice.