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Beginning Counselling for Your Child or Teen

When you get in touch about support for your child or young person, I will offer an initial assessment session. This is a chance for us to get to know each other, explore whether I’m the right counsellor for your child, and ensure everyone feels comfortable moving forward.

During this first meeting, I will outline how I work—including confidentiality and safeguarding procedures—and answer any questions you may have.

Parents or carers are encouraged to join this initial discussions around contracting and safety. If your child or young person feels comfortable, the session may then continue one-to-one, helping them to experience the counselling space as their own—a place where they feel heard, respected, and supported.

What Happens Next

If we decide to continue, we’ll confirm availability, payment arrangements, and discuss your hopes for the counselling process.

Counselling typically begins with a block of six sessions. Towards the end of this block, I will check in with your child or young person to see how they feel about the experience and whether they’d like to continue.

With their permission, we’ll arrange an informal review with parents, carers, or referrers. This gives your child a voice in shaping their own support and reflecting on any changes they’ve noticed.

Ongoing Work and Endings

If further sessions are agreed upon, we’ll identify new goals and plan the next steps. When it feels right to end the work, we will prepare for a closing session that honours the progress made. Endings are an important part of therapy, and this final session offers space to reflect, celebrate growth, and say goodbye in a supported way.

If Counselling Isn’t the Right Fit

Occasionally, the initial session may show that I’m not the best match for your child’s needs. If so, I’ll explain this gently and clearly, and where appropriate, suggest alternative options or services that may be more suitable.

Keeping in Touch During Therapy

Once sessions are underway, communication from parents or carers should focus on practical matters only—such as payments, rescheduling, or cancellations.

To protect the privacy and trust within the counselling space, I don’t share regular session updates. However, if there are any concerns or a need to revisit the support plan, we can arrange a time to talk, involving your child or young person where appropriate.

PARENTAL CONSENT IS REQUIRED FOR UNDER 18's

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