I have been working as a counsellor with children and young people in Cornish schools, charities and family hubs for a number of years.
The focus is generally to empower the young person, helping them to find their voice and to grow in confidence.
For younger children the work is often play based, we might build things or use arts and crafts and games.
For older clients we may use sensory toys and music to foster a more relaxed atmosphere.
I will be client/child-lead and will work with whatever the young person wants to either bring to, or get out of the session.
It takes a little while to build trust and for a young people to adjust to taking the lead with a professional adult, especially if this is their first time in therapy.
I do not like to overload a young person so it is not unusual for it to take a few weeks before they start to understand the process and how they can make it work for them.
When they are comfortable and ready we will explore what they feel is causing them difficulties and try to find ways that work for them to manage difficult feelings and unhelpful behaviour patterns.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their ethical framework. You can read more about their level of competences when working
with children and young people here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/15873/bacp-cyp-competence-framework_2022.pdf
I like to start with a short phone call with the parent or video meeting (free of charge) so we can be sure this is the right fit for your child before committing to a booking.
I will send a contract before work commences and would usually ask a parent to attend the first 15 minutes of the first session so I can explain the process to the young person and be confident that both parties understand and consent to the process before we begin.
Face to face sessions start at £55 per session / £50 for block bookings.
Online (video), telephone sessions £50 per hour / £45 per hour for 10 sessions / £70 per 1.5 hour
Free 15 minute phone or video consultation
Please let me know if you think you would qualify for a concessionary rate.
