THERAPY AND COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN
Counselling for children offers many of the same benefits as adult counselling but is uniquely adapted to meet the developmental needs of younger clients.
Children may seek therapy for specific issues such as trauma, abuse, or grief, or simply benefit from having a safe, supportive space to process their emotions. Therapy can help children develop the tools to form healthy, emotionally secure relationships, express themselves more fully, and cope with overwhelming emotions like anxiety, sadness, or fear.
It’s also an opportunity to help children understand significant life events such as bereavement, divorce, or other family changes. Children struggling with behavioural challenges, self-harm, or even criminal behaviour can also find therapy highly beneficial.
Trained Child and Young Person therapists use a range of techniques, including play therapy, expressive arts, and behavioural therapy.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CHILDREN’S COUNSELLING
Therapy for young children is a tailored process that incorporates a variety of creative and therapeutic techniques, all aimed at helping your child express and manage their emotions, enhance social skills, and build resilience.
Depending on your child’s specific needs and age, different therapeutic approaches may be used to ensure they feel heard, understood and supported.
With a focus on confidentiality and care, I am committed to making both you and your child feel comfortable throughout the process.
MY APPROACH
>As an pluralistic counsellor and psychotherapist, I tailor my approach to your child’s unique needs, drawing on different therapeutic modalities, such as psychodynamic and person-centred therapy.
I recognise that children and young people often express their feelings and work through inner conflicts in ways that can be hard to verbalise, sometimes showing up through their actions or even physically.
I offer a child-led, empathic approach that uses a blend of talking therapy and creative techniques, including art, play, and metaphor. By creating a safe, nurturing environment, I support children in understanding and managing their emotions and behaviours, ultimately helping them to navigate challenges with confidence.
It’s well-proven that early intervention can make a lasting difference, helping to prevent difficulties from persisting into adulthood.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP
Recognising when your child might benefit from counselling can be a difficult and emotional process.
Every child is unique, and it’s natural for them to respond to life’s challenges in their own individual way.
If you’re feeling concerned about your child, seeking professional support can be a positive step forward. My goal is to make this journey as comfortable and seamless as possible for both you and your child, ensuring that they are in the safest and most professional hands.
I offer a discreet, confidential, and compassionate service, ensuring both you and your child feel comfortable and understood throughout.
Whether your child is facing emotional, behavioural, or social challenges, I am committed to providing the highest standard of care in a secure and nurturing environment.
WHY CHOOSE LORRAINE’S COUNSELLING AND WELLBEING?
Children often express themselves differently from adults, and my services are tailored to meet their unique needs.
In addition to traditional talking therapy, I incorporate play-based therapeutic techniques such as sand tray therapy, puppets, creative arts, and more. These methods offer your child the opportunity to communicate in ways that make them feel most comfortable, whether verbal or non-verbal.
As an pluristic therapist, I am able to draw on a variety of therapeutic models, thereby ensuring that your child receives the support best suited to their individual needs.
My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where your child can thrive emotionally.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Finding the right counsellor for you and your child is vital. Before starting therapy, I offer a complimentary, brief consultation with parents or caregivers to discuss your child’s specific needs and the challenges they are facing. This takes place online or via the telephone and is an opportunity for you to ask questions and share any concerns.
Should you prefer a face to face meeting then this can be arranged however, would incur a small charge.
THERAPY SESSIONS
Sessions typically last for 50 minutes but may be shorter for younger children, based on their attention span and individual needs.
I use a variety of creative interventions to help children express their emotions in a way that feels comfortable for them. This can include interventions such as the use of toys, puppets, story-telling, clay, playdough, and sand-tray therapy. Sometimes, we may engage in activities like cooking if that is what your child prefers.
Incroporating creativity allows for expression beyond words, helping your child process their feelings in an intuitive and enjoyable way.
For older children and adolescents, sessions may also incorporate talking therapy when they feel ready to engage in more verbal communication.
While parental involvement is crucial, particularly in understanding a child’s background and needs, it’s important for the child to know that their counselling sessions are confidential. This confidentiality fosters a sense of trust and safety, which is vital for the therapeutic process.
I will liaise with you as parent/s or caregiver/s before the first session to discuss any concerns and agree on how we will work together.
However, your child should be aware that what is shared in the session remains private, with the exception of safeguarding concerns, where disclosure may be necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.
Counselling provides children with a safe space to express their feelings and work through difficulties. Although this list is not exhaustive, counselling can be especially beneficial for:
- Anxiety and stress
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional regulation
- Bullying and friendship challenges
- School challenges
- Domestic violence
- Sibling rivalry
- Aggression and anger management
- Coping with parental separation or loss
- Bereavement and trauma
- In-Person Sessions: Held at my welcoming practice in Worth, CT14, designed to help your child feel comfortable and at ease.
- Online Counselling: A convenient option for children who may feel more at ease in a digital setting.
- Walk and Talk Therapy: Combines physical movement with therapeutic conversation, perfect for children who enjoy being outdoors.
WHY CHOOSE MY CHILD COUNSELLING SERVICES?
Children often express themselves and work through their problems differently than adults. Recognising this, as well as talking, I offer a variety of creative, play-based therapeutic approaches tailored to your child’s unique needs. These include sand tray therapy, puppets, creative arts, and more. This variety allows children to communicate in ways that feel natural and comfortable to them whether that’s verbally or non-verbal communication..
My approach is integrative and child-centered, drawing on various therapeutic theories and practices to support each child in the best way possible. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and strive to create a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where your child can thrive.
With over three years of dedicated experience working with children and advanced qualifications in CYP counselling, I am committed to providing the highest standard of care. I am registered and accredited with the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and hold enhanced DBS clearance, ensuring your child’s safety at all times.
My compassionate, child-centred approach fosters an environment where children feel heard, valued, and supported.
