Young Children

When children are struggling they often don’t have the words to express how they are feeling. Instead, they may behave in unexpected ways, for example, they may get angry and have tantrums, they may also become quiet and withdrawn, have difficulty eating or sleeping or they may express a reluctance to go to school or take part in activities that they usually enjoy. A child who is struggling will find it difficult to learn and their relationships with friends and family may also be affected.

Counselling through play

I can support children to understand upsetting experiences and help them to understand and express their feelings. This is done mainly through play and creative activities which are fun and engaging for your child. Using this approach, children can express their emotions through what they do rather than having to use words, and this allows them to develop their understanding of themselves, their feelings and relationships. Over time, this means that they can begin to find more effective ways to communicate their needs.

Adolescents

Adolescence is a unique period of challenge and opportunity for positive development. Teenagers have to adapt to significant physical changes in their bodies and also to the increasing demands and expectations of society. This makes adolescence a common time for the beginning of mental health problems including anxiety, stress, self-harm, depression and eating disorders, with approximately half of all such issues originating before the age of 14.

Adolescent Counselling

Counselling can help adolescents to manage the challenges of mental health problems and navigate the life’s challenges. Doing this at this early point can provide young adults with a significant advantage for the rest of their lives. I will work hard to understand the difficulties your child is having and help them put what they are feeling into words. Just like with younger children, this is often achieved through creative approaches. I will then work with you and your child to explore strategies that will help to build coping skills and resilience.

Considering the child’s family and friends

I often take a systemic approach in my work. This means that I might focus on people’s relationships and interactions with other people. I offer young people confidentiality but I also include parents in the counselling process if this is something that the child or young person feels could be helpful. I can also offer parenting support, either as part of the counselling process, or when a child or young person does not want to engage in counselling. Some families decide to start family counselling and I have training to work with the whole family.

My training and experience

I am trained as an integrative counsellor and as a systemic practitioner. This means that I use a range of different approaches depending on the needs of the client. I also have extensive experience of working in schools and liaising with school staff and I have a particular interest in supporting children who are struggling to attend school. I can work with you and the school in finding the best support for your child.

Where do I work?

My therapy rooms are in Upper Caldecote, Bedfordshire, with quick and easy access to the A1. Alongside my counselling room, there is a separate waiting area with comfortable seating, a desk and wi-fi where you can get on with work or simply have some time to make a drink and relax. Also accessible from the waiting area are dedicated kitchen and toilet facilities for your convenience.

Where can parents wait?

Some parents come into the counselling room with their child, some use the waiting area. Other parents prefer to wait outside in the car or they might pop out to the shops.