Counselling for children and young people
Hi, my name is Sian, and I am a counsellor specifically trained to work with children and adolescents. I have over 10 years experience working with young people and I am a member of the BACP.
If you are choosing to seek counselling for your child it likely means that at this time they would benefit from the opportunity to reflect on their inner world in a supportive and safe environment. Young people today face increasing pressures. Many go through challenging times at home, in school, in further education and at work and it is common for them to question their relationships, identity, self-esteem and future.
From experience, I believe working with young people requires specific expertise and skills, where the relationship between client and counsellor is key to positive change. I build strong relationships with young people and ensure they feel respected, heard and empathically attuned to. Before young people can explore topics and situations that are potentially uncomfortable and painful, they need to build trust and feel safe. To facilitate this, I offer a comfortable space and a warm, empathic approach.
Experience:
As a qualified counsellor, as well as a trained and experienced SENCO, I have a strong understanding of child development and the challenges facing young people today. Having worked in the education system for over 10 years, I have an established foundation and work successfully with young people, their families and the networks of professionals who surround them. I am passionate about the profound impact counselling can have on the trajectory of young peoples' lives and their developing identity.
Previously, I have worked in one of the UK's leading independent schools based in Essex and I am currently working in an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school in Ilford as well as privately from my home clinic.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Initial Phone Call
Once you’ve submitted a contact form, I will get in touch to arrange a 15min free phone call/Zoom. I understand that entrusting me to work with your child is a big step. An initial consultation allows us to meet and see whether I am the right person for your child to talk to. If you are happy to continue, we can organise an assessment session where we will begin our journey together.
Face-to-face CONSULTATION
This is an important opportunity for you to talk to me in more detail about why you have sought counselling for your child as well as ask any questions you may have about the therapeutic process. I will also ask some questions about you, your child and family life to help me have a contextual and thorough understanding. We will go through the counselling contract, GDPR and other formalities.
COUNSELLING PLAN
Depending on the outcome of our initial consultation we will set up a rough timeframe for counselling. This may be short term, perhaps a 8-12 sessions focussing on a particular issue. However, depending on the presenting issue, we may work in a more open-ended way.
In order to maximise the impact of counselling, I may suggest meeting with you as parents separately on occasion. It is sometimes helpful to discuss routines, strategies and systemic support that might help alongside therapy. This is always with the agreement of the young person.
REVIEWING PROGRESS
At the start of our work together we can agree timeframes for regular check-ins to review progress and make any necessary adjustments.