Information for Parents and Carers

All parents have the responsibility to help their children to grow and develop. Occasionally, children and young people may need a kind of help and support that parents are unable to offer. Sometimes, no matter how strong their relationships are with their parents, they may find it hard to talk openly to them. Therapy offers an opportunity to access this support in a safe space, with a qualified professional.

 How can therapy help?

I am a fully qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist who is trained in relating to children and young people. I also have an awareness of the importance of listening at a deeper level without judgment. Therapy can help young people to sort through their thoughts and feelings in order to make sense of what is going on in their world. Therapy can also support the development of positive changes such as healthy coping strategies and the ability to better manage emotions.

I have a private therapy room where sessions will not be disturbed. I am able to do appointments outside of school time on a day that suits your child. The length of the sessions are fifty minutes.

With younger children, therapy sessions may involve play and craft materials. What is talked about during the sessions is confidential, but your child will be told that some of their problems may be discussed with other people and agencies to get help for them if they agree. If your child is thought to be at risk of significant harm this information will be shared with you immediately. Sometimes, with yours and the child's knowledge and consent, a referral to other agencies may be suggested if it is thought that it would benefit your child’s mental health and wellbeing.

What does the initial appointment look like?

If you contact me to arrange an initial appointment you and your child will be invited to meet with me. At the beginning of this appointment I will go through the therapy agreement with parents present. Once we have signed and agreed to the contract I will begin an initial assessment with your child.

Therapy needs to be a voluntary process and children must choose to attend. During the first session I will explain to your child what therapy is and how it may be able to support them. At the end of the first session it will be the decision of you and your child if they would like to return for regular sessions, with a structured plan.

What can therapy help with?

There can be lots of pressures on Young People growing up. Therapy can help with; friendships, challenging behaviours, teasing and bullying; exams and school work; family relationships, separations and changes; as well as illness, and loss or death of someone close. Your child may also be experiencing, self-harming behaviours, OCD, issues with food among many other mental health issues.

How can a Parent or Carers support therapy?

It will help your child if you accept accessing therapy as a normal and useful engagement. Showing an interest can help if they want to talk to you about it and keeping the lines of communication open allows them to feel as though they are supported, without feeling pressured to talk about things. Allow them privacy, if they would prefer not to discuss it. Therapy is not usually an immediate fix and it can sometimes take time for young people to feel better, so giving the process time to work and removing any pressure for a child to ‘get better’ can be helpful.