Here at J&L Counselling we are passionate about helping children and young people lead a happy and fulfilling life. In addition to external factors such as school, social, relationship pressures and the pandemic, children and young people are also coping with physical, emotional and mental development.

These issues can create normal changes such as moodiness, sleep issues, falling out with friends and dips in school performance. However, sometimes these changes create challenges which are difficult to overcome, affecting daily life and the ability to be happy.

As a parent you may recognise this pattern of behaviour in your child and want to ‘make it better’ for them. Children and young people like to be heard, understood and validated so using phrases like ‘I can see you are struggling’ or ‘I notice you are not going out with your friends’ can open up a conversation allowing your child to express their emotions, release the anxiety and unburden themselves.

However, we recognise that it is not always easy for children and young people to open up to their care givers; this is where we can help. There are significant differences in working with children and young people, different skills and considerations are required.

For example:

• A therapist should have an understanding of child/teen development.
• Have an appreciation of ethical boundaries relating to managing the limits of confidentiality, when to share information and an awareness of disclosure, safeguarding and child protection policies.
• The therapist should also have a current enhanced DBS check in place.
  
  Another key difference to consider is when counselling children and young people is that they do not communicate distress in the same way as adults. So unlike adult talking therapy a therapist would be looking out for non verbal communication, utilising play therapy or using creative art and activities to encourage children and young people to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

For pricing information please see our FAQ Page.