Counselling 

 

Counselling may be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including: 

 

 

 

The first step is to build a positive relationship with the young person. We can then help them recognise the feelings they are experiencing, and understand why they may be feeling that way. For example, anxiety, worry, anger, sadness or loss. 

 

We will use mainly play or sand tray with primary as this is a good way for them to be able to express their feelings non-verbally and allow for understanding through metaphors and play. 

 

We also offer parent play sessions which enables parents and young people to have time together to reconnect, encourage positive play and improves social-emotional development this can reduce disruptive behaviours. 

 

 

Many young people may be struggling with how they feel. They are having problems with friends, family or school, they may be anxious, depressed, angry or scared and need to talk to someone, but find it difficult to talk to people they know. We can help them talk things through, support them without making them feel judged, and in confidence (unless they disclose that their personal safety is at risk). 

 

 

It might not always feel like it, but parents have a major influence on childrens’ beliefs, attitudes and behaviour. So, parents have a huge role to play in helping create positive outcomes for their children. 

 

When your child is seeing a counsellor, they may want to talk about what they did in the session. It would really help the process if you were able to listen to what they had to say. This will only strengthen the relationship between you. 

 

 

We use a range of approaches including: 

 

 

Parents can tell children that they are going to meet someone who will listen and may help young people to understand how and why they may feel a certain way. 

 

They will spend some time talking about the good aspects of their life and those aspects that may need some improvement. 

 

They will be able to talk and maybe learn some skills to help them cope better with their thoughts and emotions. 

 

If the young person is over 16 and gilet competent, we do not need parent permission; the young person can use their autonomy to access counselling. 

 

 

It is completely the young person’s choice to attend counselling, and it will only be successful if they are willing to engage. If they don’t want to do it, it could be that they are simply not ready for counselling or they may need support from a different service. 

 

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the school - 01793 332 400.