Frequently asked questions

How can child counselling help?

Child counselling sessions can provide a much needed ‘break’ from the expectations of school, from the busyness of family life, and from friends and other people in their lives. When children feel comfortable and calm, they can begin to find ways to understand the things that are causing them upset. They begin to express how they are feeling through the creative materials in the room which often feels like a huge relief.

There is also the chance to try out new and different ways of behaving, they may enact doing something brave in the room which leads to them feeling braver in their life.  Over time, small incremental changes often start to occur and with patience, these start to build up.  You may notice that your child is more reflective and less reactive, they may engage more with you, they may start to enjoy a new pursuit or they talk about a new friend.  They may still find it hard to put their socks on but they will be less overwhelmed and more open to exploring solutions. 

I won’t help your child to be someone they are not but I will help them to be more of who they are.  And with your help and support (I will guide you with this) they can develop the ability to express themselves in more helpful ways. 

What happens during sessions?

Children’s natural way of communicating is through play and creativity so I use a range of materials in the room to support this, such as games, paint, drawing, sandtray, puppets, clay, movement and storytelling.  For some young people, mindfulness practices work well, reflective conversations, or CBT informed approaches (Cognitive Behavior Therapy).

Why do I have to commit to 15 or 20 sessions, why don’t you offer short term work?

I am interested in changing the dynamic for both you and your child so that family life can run more smoothly.  Such changes happen at a deeper level which requires time and patience.  Your child or young person will need repeated chances to practice new behaviour out both in their sessions with me and at home and school.  They may encounter set-backs and this needs careful monitoring so that they don’t give up. 

How can I support my child during the process?

I will provide access to a carefully curated library of resources to support you, the best outcomes are achieved when parents are also working to understand more about their child’s experience. 

The library area includes all of my go-to resources for parents (only available to families I am working with). I will guide you towards the ones that are most relevant to you. There are book and website recommendations, PDFs and videos where I guide you through some of the ideas. I suggest you put aside at least one hour a week to work through the material here.   

What if my child changes their mind about coming to sessions? Or my circumstances change?

Ideally the minimum number of sessions is 15 to 20  However occasionally there are times when someone doesn’t respond well (even if they agreed initially), they change their mind, or they might feel that their issues are resolved after a few sessions.  I know that life can get in the way too and unexpected changes can happen.  In either case I would ask for at least two more sessions, in order to process the ending. 

What if my child is ill or can’t make the session?

Cancelled appointments require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.  Full payment is required if a session is missed or the notice period is not given. 

What happens during planned breaks such as school holidays?

I don’t usually work during half term breaks but I can sometimes offer sessions during Christmas, Easter or Summer holidays.

Do you work online?

I am currently only offering in-person session for children. I do offer online parent mentoring for parents of sensitive children, find out more here.

I am interested in finding out more, what is the first step?

Click on the button below to book your free 40 minute call.