Child Centred Counselling and Support for Young People in Bath, Wiltshire and Somerset Email: [email protected]
From time to time children of all ages may have the need to speak to a professional counsellor. And the New Year of 2024 may get parents or carers thinking how this could be a useful resource to help their child. Sometimes children need an independent, objective and neutral adult to talk with. Someone who will discuss the issues or concerns in a non judgemental way. And knowing that the person they speak with, will keep everything they say confidential.
When it comes down to it, I don’t have to tell parents or carers anything of what is discussed between me and their child in counselling. However, over the years I have felt it can be useful to the therapeutic process to feedback certain information to a parent or carer, if that information will benefit the child with the issues at hand. And that information can only be given with the consent of the child on each and every occasion. If I present the idea and the child says no, then the information stays strictly between the two of us. I will always respect the child’s wishes and ensure they are empowered and in control of that process.
Counselling for Children in Bath
I have been counselling children in Bath since 2006. However, my career supporting and counselling children started decades before that. I have a wealth of experience and knowledge from working in a variety of child related settings and establishments. I have helped children deal with the challenges of life and manage their thoughts or feelings, as well as guide parents and carers throughout the process. I have worked for several local authorities within their childcare departments and supported over fifty schools with various welfare issues. My work with agencies such as the NCH (now Action for Children), Barnardo’s, ChildLine as a senior counselling supervisor and trainer, has all put me in good stead to develop my skills.
Some children, like some adults, find it challenging to speak with someone about their feelings or the things which bother them. I understand that, so take the time to gradually help children feel safe enough to work out what they are happy to discuss. I tend to work with children from the age of seven and older. There can often be a reluctance to talk with me or a defensiveness to prevent me from asking certain questions. I get that and respect a child’s reasons for doing so. For a child to open up, they need first to trust the person they are speaking with. That starts from the first time we meet. After all, I will be a complete stranger to them and need to gain their trust in the person I show myself to be.
Counselling for Young People in Bath
I have spent most of my adult life counselling children of all ages. Helping and supporting teenagers with the emotional challenges of dealing with and developing their thoughts and emotions. Becoming a teen has many hurdles to overcome before adulthood. So, having an adult with a vast experience and knowledge of the challenges they face, can be very helpful. Especially, an adult not connected to their family. Someone completely neutral to their situation or circumstance. A person who will listen without trying to impose any rules or sanctions on what they can or can’t say.
Sometimes talking to one’s own parent or carer can be a challenge in itself. Not for any bad reason, just the fact that either side can never be neutral to the conversation. Each will know what to say or not what to say, in order to protect the other. Assumptions will inevitably be made and therefore some things will not be said or discussed, as one or the other will assume they know already. That doesn’t happen with a professional counsellor. Everything relevant is discussed or brought to the attention of the young person in order to maximise their ability to understand, evaluate and respond accordingly.
Children’s Counselling and Therapy in Bath
If you have a child, teenager or young adult you think would benefit from a counsellor, then look no further. You can contact me direct on [email protected] to discuss your thoughts, concerns or ask any questions in relation to your child’s situation. Sometimes it’s good to get yourself clear with what it is you think your child may need. From there, you can decide what happens next. I can chat with you over the phone, by email or you can come and meet with me before taking things any further.
If your child is in agreement with the idea of counselling. Or would like to just meet me to find out more, then that is fine to do so. In my experience, once a child or young person meets me, many barriers or uncertainties fade away and they can feel much more optimistic about the process ahead. If you both agree that we all meet together, especially for that first occasion, then that is often a great way to start. It can be a daunting experience coming to meet with a counsellor for the first time. You and your child will no doubt have preconceived ideas of what to expect or how things will be, including me. So, as I always say, we take things just one step at a time. One week at a time. Allowing us all to work things out as we proceed and manage and deal with those things accordingly. And in doing so, promote a healthier, happier and positive future for your child’s emotional well being and good mental health.
Email: [email protected]
