Children and Young People
Counselling Children and Young People
Sometimes young people may be struggling with how they feel. They may be feeling anxious, depressed, angry, scared or confused. Their problems could range from friendship issues, family, school, issues around eating, issues around identity, sexuality, social media and life in general and they may find it difficult to talk to people they know. So counselling can be one way where they can talk to someone they don't know, without feeling judged. Someone who can simply listen, support them and enable them to speak in confidence (unless they disclose that their personal safety or that of someone else is at risk).
The Counselling I offer also will use other forms of communication as I feel it's important to find what ways the young person would like to communicate in. If the young person doesn't want to talk or struggles to know how to define what is happening for them, there are other ways of exploring feelings, such as texting via Zoom chat or by Whasup, art work, meditation, drawing, clay modelling, therapeutic games, sandtray and dramatherapy.
As well as working through any issues the young person may have, I believe it's important to spend time getting to know the young person holistically, so that we can build on who they are, what interests them in life and what makes them tick. The Counselling space is not only used to work through their issues, but to help them develop as people and find positive aspects of their life, what are their strengths? What is going well or okay right now? I am interested in knowing all about the young people I work with, not just their issues/difficulties. I want to help build on creating resilience and coping strategies and helping the young person become independent,autonomous and confident with their choices.
I help the young people I work with find their own tools, which they can also use once the therapy has ended, so in effect-tools for life!
I work with Children aged 11 and above covering a wide range of issues and specialising in Anxiety, Depression, Autism and ADHD. I have flexible hours to suit and offer in person sessions, therapy online, by telephone, texting and walk and talk therapy.
As I have a specialism in Neurodivergence, (for example: autism, adhd, dyslexia, Learning disability, Tourettes etc ) I am able to work in an accessible way which is inclusive and allows for each individual to experience therapy in a comfortable way , considering any challenges a person may have. I want therapy to be accessible to all people and to continuously learn what needs to occur , so that that can happen.
My Experience
Most of my adult life has been spent working with children and young people so I have a good understanding about what makes them tick. I have also worked extensively with neurodivergent children and teens, having personal experience of this-having raised my now grown up autistic son and being neurodivergent myself.
In my Counselling with young people I may use play therapy, role play, sensory objects and sometimes CBT strategies to help them explore feelings and find ways to cope better.
It is very important for me to build up that trust and create an environment where your child feels safe.
© Reflection Counselling 2019