What to expect when you contact me
It can feel like a big step to reach out for counselling for your child, so let me tell you the process we would go through together and try to put your mind at ease.
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You can make an initial enquiry using the form on the 'Contact' page or email me if you prefer.
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I will contact you by email and arrange a suitable time for us to have a 15 minute telephone consultation, during which I will gather some basic information about your child and the reasons for considering therapy. This consultation is free of charge.
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If we are both happy to proceed I will book an initial appointment for you. This may be for the parent/guardian alone or I may ask you to bring your child along with you.
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At the initial appointment I will collect more detailed information about the child, the reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve as a result of sessions. If you are happy to proceed I will ask you to sign a contract and we will arrange a suitable date and time for the first therapy session. We will decide together a time frame for therapy. I provide both short and long term therapy depending on the needs of the child. Together we will review the time frame at regular intervals.
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What to expect when therapy begins
It is usual (but not essential) to have one therapy session each week. Sessions last for one hour, but may be shorter for a very young child. When you bring your child to the first session you will come into the therapy room with them and stay until they are comfortable. This may be the whole session for some children.​​There is space for you to sit and wait for your child at both venues.
In the therapy room I will take time to build a relationship with your child so that they are happy and confident to attend sessions. Some of the activities that we may use are:
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Play therapy - we use play as a means for a child to explore and process feelings without needing to verbalise them.
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Art therapy - art and craft activities are used for a child to express their feelings and to build their self-confidence
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Talking therapy - I provide a safe space and support for a child to talk about their thoughts and feelings. We can explore problems and coping mechanisms for their daily life.