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Children and Adolescents
“Enter into children’s play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.”
-Virginia Axline
Is your child getting angry? Not fitting in with school or establishing friends? Seems anxious? Or have they stopped talking to the family? Children are complex, and supporting them can be challenging. It is easy to blame ourselves, but more likely that underneath the behaviour is something hidden they are trying to manage and are unable to put into words: and this could be something very simple. Unlike adults, children find it hard to identify feelings or verbalise them. They can find it harder to engage in counselling, as they need to develop trust first to begin exploring what is going on for them. It can be hard as a parent to know what is going on or even get them to talk about how they feel. Most of the time, they do not even know how to or know how they feel. That is where I can help—using the person-centred model with the option of creative ideas, including art and play and good old-fashioned humour. I can help the child find their words, discover their feelings and find their voice. I will work with you (parents) as much as confidentiality will allow (more information on this during our initial meeting), and I will be in regular contact and have agreed to reviews to discuss any changes and how working together could benefit your child. I also offer family sessions towards the end of my sessions with your child if they wish to have a safe space to explore with you what they have discovered during therapy.
Or are you a teen feeling angry? Low? Anxious? Not sure whom to speak to or how to approach how you feel? It isn't easy being a child, never mind being a teenager or a parent. If you are a teenager and want some support, get in touch, as I know how hard it can be to get through everything that is 'life' when transitioning to adulthood and trying to figure out who you are and where you fit. If you are over 13, you can access counselling through me and request discretion.
Resources and helpline numbers are available via my blog.