Parents & Children/Teenagers Information Page
Being a parent can be very challenging, sometimes you may feel like you need some support.
We can all experience difficult times, we are all trying to cope with the change in our daily situation, some young people are experiencing stress and anxiety, which could be due to upcoming exams. But there are also many other reasons why children and young people may be experiencing anxiety. Their behaviour may have changed which could be for a number of reasons. If you or your children are finding things difficult I will work with you or them to understand what is going on, help them manage their feelings and look at coping strategies. I work either face to face, on the phone or online, please contact me for more details.
This page is to provide information for parents and children. I will provide links to other sites which give advice etc.
Counselling for children and teenagers can be very beneficial giving them the chance to talk to someone independent. As a counsellor and previously working with young people in schools I have seen many children who have benefited from counselling, I work in different ways such as art, which gives the young person an alternative way of expressing themselves.
Free Your Mind Counselling Service also run groups for children and teenagers to help them understand what might be going on for them and teach them coping strategies.
How can counselling help my child?
Many young people/children/teenagers are struggling with how they feel. They may be having problems with friends, family or school, or they could be anxious, depressed, angry or scared, they might have experienced a family bereavement or family break up and need to talk to someone, but find it difficult to talk to people they know. Counselling and other advice services can help your child talk things through, support them without them feeling judged, they will be able to speak to someone in confidence (unless they disclose that their personal safety is at risk). Counselling can make a positive difference to their lives, empowering goal oriented therapy to help them move towards the future with confidence.
If you would like your son or daughter to come to counselling please contact me to arrange an appointment with one of our qualified counsellors who have lots of experience working with children and young people.
Children’s Mental Health
With 75% of mental health problems in adult life (excluding dementia) starting by the age of 18.1 – it’s clear that the sooner you can spot the signs in childhood, the better.
We’ll help you understand the signs and behaviours that could point to a child or young person needing support to maintain their mental wellbeing through their teenage years and into adulthood.
If you have urgent concerns about your child’s mental health and wellbeing, please speak to your GP or call the Young Minds parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for more information please click here
I am unable to offer crisis and urgent support out of my working hours.
If you feel that you or someone’s life is at risk.
Or if someone has been seriously injured, feeling suicidal or taken an overdose and you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe. Call 999
Here is some further information and support:
Children and adolescent support
Children and adolescents can struggle with their emotions and with their life styles if you are concerned or a child would like someone to be able to talk to here is some information.
Childline – for under 19s to be able to talk and get support
Tel: 0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk
Kooth – Children’s online mental wellbeing community
www.kooth.com
NSPCC – discuss or report a concern about the safety or welfare of a child.
Tel: 0808 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk
The Mix – free information and support for under 25s in the UK
Tel: 0808 808 4994
https://www.themix.org.uk