“I have noticed several times that people don't think I know how to behave even when I'm trying as hard as I can.”
(Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking)
(Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking)
The counselling takes place in a comfortable room in my home where I offer a variety of creative and symbolic resources alongside talking therapy, that clients can engage with, e.g. art, drawing, clay-modelling, collage, games, sand tray…
INITIAL CONTACT:
Before committing to anything we can have a chat on the phone to find out what issues the young person is struggling with and to see if I might be the right person to help. Please email me to arrange a convenient time.
INITIAL SESSION:
I believe that clients need to trust that what they are saying will be kept confidential in order to open up. Therefore, parents do not join us in counselling sessions unless specifically requested by the child or young person.
However, if your child wants you to stay for some of the initial session until they feel at ease, that is fine. We can chat and explore the room and the resources and then I will ask them if they feel comfortable if you leave.
The initial session is a chance for me to help the young person relax, feel comfortable and share what is going on for them. I will explain how I work and what to expect and they can ask me any questions they might have. I will then ask them what has brought them to counselling. If they are uncomfortable talking directly with me we may play some games or do some creative activities to help them feel safer and more relaxed. Every child communicates differently and I will endeavour to find out what works best for each client.
We can then decide if it might be helpful to continue counselling sessions.
Before committing to anything we can have a chat on the phone to find out what issues the young person is struggling with and to see if I might be the right person to help. Please email me to arrange a convenient time.
INITIAL SESSION:
I believe that clients need to trust that what they are saying will be kept confidential in order to open up. Therefore, parents do not join us in counselling sessions unless specifically requested by the child or young person.
However, if your child wants you to stay for some of the initial session until they feel at ease, that is fine. We can chat and explore the room and the resources and then I will ask them if they feel comfortable if you leave.
The initial session is a chance for me to help the young person relax, feel comfortable and share what is going on for them. I will explain how I work and what to expect and they can ask me any questions they might have. I will then ask them what has brought them to counselling. If they are uncomfortable talking directly with me we may play some games or do some creative activities to help them feel safer and more relaxed. Every child communicates differently and I will endeavour to find out what works best for each client.
We can then decide if it might be helpful to continue counselling sessions.
FURTHER SESSIONS:
Sessions are usually weekly on the same day and at the same time. The duration depends on each individual’s needs. It can take time to build a trusting relationship and for young people to feel comfortable opening up. I usually recommend at least 10 to 15 sessions, reviewing this once the work has started. However, we may agree to open ended sessions, or fewer sessions. Although I do recommend that endings are planned you are under no obligation to continue sessions.
Sessions are usually weekly on the same day and at the same time. The duration depends on each individual’s needs. It can take time to build a trusting relationship and for young people to feel comfortable opening up. I usually recommend at least 10 to 15 sessions, reviewing this once the work has started. However, we may agree to open ended sessions, or fewer sessions. Although I do recommend that endings are planned you are under no obligation to continue sessions.