The Counselling Sessions

The first session is an assessment session, this gives us an opportunity to meet and to get to know each other better. If the child is under 13 years then a parent /carer will attend the assessment together with the child. If the young person is 13+yrs then they will be asked if they would like a parent /carer to attend with them or if they would prefer to attend on their own for the assessment. This is entirely up to them.

During the initial assessment we will discuss the different types of counselling used and what might be appropriate for you, your child or family. Most of the time the counselling will involve talking therapy alongside other Types of Counselling if thought beneficial.

At times a child who is having individual counselling might think it would be helpful if their parent/carer attends as well. The parent/carer will then be invited to join the child in the next session.

Sometimes during Family therapy individual family member sessions take place. This is a normal part of the family therapy process.

An important part of counselling is knowing that the information shared remains confidential as this allows young people and parents to open up and share their feelings without the worry that it will be discussed elsewhere. I always explain to every client I work with that what we talk about remains confidential and that the only time this would change is if I was concerned for the safety of the young person or a member of their family.