A safe, confidential space

Psychotherapeutic counselling provides children and young people with a safe, confidential space within which they can build a relationship of trust. I establish a contract where the child or young person understands the meaning of confidentiality and the limits applied to ensure they are safeguarded appropriately. I begin and end the therapeutic relationship with clear expectations and goal setting. I encourage the child or young person to contribute to the therapeutic contract, have a voice in the direction of their therapy and make autonomous decisions, in the hope that they feel they have control over the process of bringing about positive change in their life.

Exploring, understanding and labelling

Psychotherapeutic counselling supports children and young people to talk about their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Children who are able to label their feelings and develop emotional literacy are better able to regulate emotions, build self esteem, grow in confidence and succeed in social and academic situations. When young people are able to make links between their behavious and the thoughts and feelings that drive them, the awareness creates opportunities for choice and change.

Coping strategies and building a toolkit

Psychotherapeutic counselling equips children and young people with a toolkit of coping strategies that work for them. Strategy banks can be built and personalised with input from the child or young person, not prescribed. What works for one child, may not work for another.

Advice, signposting and referrals

Psychotherapeutic counselling can support children and young people who are struggling.

I have professional experience

• in working therapeutically in supervised practise with children in primary and secondary educational settings

• in education supporting positive behaviour management and Special Educational Needs for Local Authority SEND support services

• in a sports organisation as a safeguarding professional and anti-discrimintion lead governed by a National Governing Body

• as a Local Authorty approved foster carer

I am not a medical professional and recognise the limits of my professional expertise. I am able to signpost to Services and provide evidence on request to support onward referrals.