Children and Young People

Being a child or young person isn't always easy.

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Growing up can bring all sorts of challenges, and sometimes it can be difficult to know who to talk to.

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You might be feeling worried, stressed, angry, sad, overwhelmed or lonely. Things might feel difficult at school, at home or with friends. You might be trying to make sense of changes in your life, wondering who you are, or simply feeling not quite yourself.

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Sometimes there is a clear reason for how you're feeling, and sometimes there isn't.

Counselling gives you a space where you can bring whatever is going on for you and know that you will be listened to without judgement.

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Counselling doesn't have to mean sitting and talking

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Not everyone finds it easy to talk about their feelings, especially when they're difficult to put into words.

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Counselling can look different for different people. Some young people prefer to talk, while others might use drawing, art, games, creative activities, sand or play. Some sessions might involve lots of talking and others very little.

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There isn't a right or wrong way to use your counselling time. We can find what feels comfortable and meaningful for you.

You don't have to talk about anything before you're ready. We can go at your pace.

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What can I come to counselling about?

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There doesn't need to be one particular reason.

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Young people come to counselling when they're feeling anxious, low, angry, confused or overwhelmed; when things are difficult with family, friendships or school; when they're coping with change, loss or difficult experiences; or when they simply want somewhere they can talk and be heard.

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You don't need to have a diagnosis, and you don't need to wait until things feel really difficult before asking for support.

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A little about me

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Supporting children and young people has been at the heart of my professional life for more than 20 years.

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Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in education, where I developed a particular interest in child development, inclusion and emotional wellbeing. I have since undertaken specialist postgraduate training in counselling children and young people alongside my training and practice with adults.

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This combination of experience helps me understand that every young person is different. I adapt the way I work according to your age, interests, needs and stage of development rather than expecting you to fit into one particular way of doing counselling.

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A space where you can be yourself

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Most importantly, I want counselling to feel like a space where you can be yourself.

You don't need to arrive knowing what to say. You don't have to explain everything perfectly. And you don't need to pretend that things are fine when they're not.

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We can start wherever you are.