Common Questions

What Happens in a Counselling Session?

The sessions are led by your child.

The counsellor is trained to reflect their thoughts and feelings and support them in making change.

For Primary school age children this may involve play therapy where children can work out their emotions through play as well as talking if the child engages this way. Sometimes older children and young people engage through play and art too. We are not Art Therapists but we occasionally use 'art' in therapy.

How Long Does Counselling Last?

As a general rule counselling will last for between six and eight sessions but that is a very general rule. It could be more or it could be less. It will last as long as it needs to but by starting with an actual number it can help focus the process.

Can I Ask What Happens in the Sessions?

Counselling is a private and personal relationship between the counsellor and the client. Some children or young people will want to talk about their experience and some won’t. It is important to let your child decide what is best for them and respect their privacy. At times your child may seem more upset following a session, this might be that the session brought up difficult emotions. Show empathy and support but again, respect their privacy.

You may also be tempted to try and talk to your child’s counsellor, this is absolutely natural as you want to look after your child. It would, however, break the trust and the confidential relationship between the counsellor and the client if the counsellor spoke to you about the sessions. Trust is the crucial element in successful counselling and only under very exceptional circumstances would a counsellor talk about a client and that includes talking to a parent.

Can I Refer My Child Without Their Permission?

No. Counselling is a voluntary process and its success is determined by the willingness of the person being counselled to be there. If you think your child would benefit from counselling you must talk it through with them first and get their consent.

What Should I Do If I Think My Child Needs Counselling?

If you think your child needs more help than friends and family, or their GP team can offer, then get in touch with us.