Watching your child struggle can be incredibly difficult.

You may have noticed changes in their mood, confidence or behaviour. Perhaps they seem more anxious, withdrawn, overwhelmed, angry, or simply no longer like themselves. As a parent, it's natural to want to help, but it isn't always easy to know how.

Children and young people often find it difficult to put their thoughts and feelings into words, particularly with the people they love most. I offer a safe, supportive and confidential space where they can explore their experiences at their own pace, without fear of judgement or pressure.

Experienced Support for Children and Young People

I have experience working therapeutically with children and young people in both school settings and private practice, supporting a wide range of emotional, behavioural and relational difficulties. Alongside my clinical work, I have also worked with children and families through Barnardo's, giving me experience of supporting young people from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experiences.

Every child is unique. Some young people find it easy to talk, while others express themselves through creativity, drawing, games or simply by taking time to build trust. I tailor every session to the individual child, creating a warm, accepting environment where they feel safe enough to explore what is happening for them.

My work is informed by attachment theory and trauma-informed practice, recognising that every child's experiences, relationships and environment are unique. Together, we work at a pace that feels right for them, helping them build confidence, resilience and a greater understanding of themselves.

How Counselling Can Help

Children and young people may come to counselling for many different reasons, including:

• Anxiety and excessive worry

• Low mood or depression

• Stress and feeling overwhelmed

• Friendship or relationship difficulties

• Bullying

• Low confidence and self-esteem

• Family separation or conflict

• Bereavement and loss

• Anger and emotional regulation

• School-related challenges

• Neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism

• Self-harm, emotional distress and suicide ideation

Every young person is different, and support is always tailored to their individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

What Sessions May Involve

Depending on your child's age, personality and preferences, sessions may include:

• Talking and listening

• Creative activities

• Drawing and visual exercises

• Therapeutic games

• Exploring emotions and feelings

• Building coping strategies

• Developing confidence, resilience and emotional awareness

The goal is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help young people better understand themselves, strengthen emotional wellbeing and develop the skills that support them both now and in the future.

Support for Parents and Carers

When your child is struggling, it can affect the whole family.

Many parents tell me they feel worried, helpless or unsure how best to support their child. You may find yourself walking on eggshells, questioning whether you're saying the right thing, or carrying the emotional weight of trying to hold everything together.

Alongside supporting children and young people, I also offer sessions for parents and carers. These provide a compassionate space to explore your concerns, gain a deeper understanding of what your child may be experiencing, and feel supported in your own role.

Parent sessions can help you to:

• Better understand your child's emotional wellbeing

• Make sense of anxiety, behaviour and emotional regulation

• Strengthen communication and relationships within your family

• Develop practical ways to support your child at home

• Reflect on the challenges of parenting with greater confidence and self-compassion

Supporting a child is rarely about having all the answers. Often, it begins with feeling supported yourself.

Taking the First Step

Reaching out for support can feel like a significant step, but it is often the beginning of meaningful change.

If you would like to discuss counselling for your child, young person or family, I would be happy to arrange an initial conversation. Together, we can consider what support may be most helpful and whether I am the right therapist for your family.