Compassion . Courage . Growth
Children & Young People
If you are a young person or the parent of a young person, I know only too well, the serious challenges facing young people today who are experiencing pressures of exponential levels. With growing demands in education and the negative aspects of a social media existence, young people are feeling like they never quite measure up. Unsurprisingly, levels of anxiety, self harming behaviors and poor body image are at an all-time high and mood levels, self-esteem and self-worth are at an all-time low.
There are many reasons young people come for counselling, such as, anxiety, low mood, low-self-worth, loneliness, low self-esteem, friendship issues, bereavement, loss, family issues or changes (parental separation, divorce), trauma, bullying, difficulties at school, issues around eating, addiction, self-harm, risk taking behaviours and more ... I use a Compassion Focused, Strengths-Based, Proactive approach to help young people identify their resources, recognise and build on their strengths and develop resilience. Together we develop a bespoke tool-kit of strategies (such as techniques for grounding, calming, sensory integration, breathing and Mindfulness) to help build their resilience and empower young people in this increasingly complex world. I also enjoy working creatively, this could be with art, play therapy, use of metaphor or other creative ways that may help a young person engage with therapy. Adolescence is a challenging stage of life. A large part of my work also requires normalising this natural, but confusing and sometimes distressing and overwhelming transition between childhood and adolescence and adolesence and early adulthood. Together we explore and reflect on different perspectives and choices enabling them to make sense of themselves, their experiences and the world around them.
If you are a young person or a parent and would like to arrange some counselling for your child please see my 'Practicalities' page for further details about prices, location and contact details.