Children & Adolescents
‘It's hard to think about growing up when you’re right in the middle of doing it.
It’s hard to know what you want. Sometimes there are so many voices in your head it’s difficult to know which of them is yours.’
-Kevin Brooks
Children and young people can experience a range of emotions and behaviours which they may not understand themselves and as a parent, may be concerning.
Social pressures, educational pressures, bullying, family breakdowns & the developing brain, to name but a few, can all have an impact on our young people. Counselling can provide them with the time and space to explore and make sense of what might be going on for them and help them find the emotional tools to process, cope and navigate through these difficult experiences. It can help them develop a stronger sense of self and build self-esteem.
I tailor my work with young people to meet them as the individuals they are, often through play and creativity which enables them to express and identify thoughts and feelings they are often unable to verbalise. Therefore, it is important to allow time for me to understand your child / young person in order for me to recognise what they are trying to communicate.
Initial contact will be with you, the parent or guardian. We will talk through your concerns regarding the young person and I will gather some fact-finding information that is helpful in building a picture of the social and familial system around the child / young person.
During therapy, it may sometimes be necessary to meet with the parent(s) or guardian(s) as a helpful part of the therapy. In some cases, the child or young person may request a session with their parent or guardian to facilitate communication and understanding. I will also offer regular reviews of our work together to plot progress and explore any issues or concerns you may have. In each case, your child remains my client and I will maintain their confidentiality unless I believe they are at risk of harm.
For children under the age of 11, parental consent will be needed prior to the commencement of therapy. This will be by way of a contract between the parent and myself, ensuring the child or young person is aware of and understands the counselling process and its boundaries, in age-appropriate language.
For young people over the age of 11, where they are deemed to be *Fraser-competent, parental consent is not required. However, under the age of 16, it is my aim to have a contract between myself and the parent in addition to myself and the young person.
As with all clients, I will ensure that the child or young person understands what confidentiality is and the limits to that. Therefore, where I believe there is a concern of risk to the child or young person, or another, I am obliged to raise my concerns either with the parent or guardian or appropriate other.
My location
I am based in Godalming, Surrey, offering therapy across Godalming, Farnham, Haslemere, Chiddingfold, Guildford, Woking & surrounding areas.
Fees & availability
I offer day, evening and some weekend appointments depending on availability.
Individual Counselling: 60 minute session £60.00
Student Counsellors: 50 minute session £55.00
Child & Adolescent: up to 60 minutes per session £60.00
Please note: I reserve the right to charge for cancelled or missed appointments with less than 48 hours' notice provided.
My location
I am based in Goldalming, offering therapy across Godalming, Farnham, Haslemere, Chiddingfold, Guildford, Cranleigh, Woking & surrounding areas.
Fees & availability
Individual Counselling: 60 minute session £60.00
Student Counsellors: 50 minute session £55.00
Child & Adolescent: up to 60 minutes per session £60.00
Click here for more information.
Note that if you want to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours’ notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed. I accept payment in cash, by cheque or by bank transfer.