For Parents

Counselling can sound scary, and serious, but actually a lot of children find it helpful to sort out how they feel about things which are happening in their lives. Often these are things they feel they have no control over, and are issues lots of people struggle with, like friendships, self-confidence, and anxiety. Or maybe your family is going through a tough time and your child would like their own space to talk about a divorce or bereavement, for example.

As a parent you are uniquely qualified to love and support your child throughout all of life’s ups and downs. It can feel upsetting to know your child is talking to, or want to talk to, someone else about their feelings, but often it’s only because they don’t want to worry you.

I provide a welcoming space where children of all ages can make sense of their feelings through play, art and talking.

If you have any questions about how I work or whether counselling is right for your child, please contact me using the form on the Contact page. Alternatively, have a look at the questions below.

Do you have a question?

Below are questions most parents ask.
Click on a question to see my answer.

Am I a bad parent because my child needs counselling?

Absolutely not! Counselling may sound like a big deal, but it’s really just a space for your child to talk about anything which may be upsetting them to someone who is completely impartial and non-judgmental.

What does non-judgmental mean?

I will not judge what your child says or make assumptions about you or their life. All thoughts and feelings are ok in a counselling room.

Isn’t my child too young for counselling?

I am trained to work with children of all ages. My counselling room is warm and welcoming, to help all children feel at ease. There are games and toys for all ages, and emotions are explored in an age-appropriate way.

What qualifications do you have?

It is important to know your child is with a qualified professional. I am a qualified counsellor and have trained specifically to work with children from the ages of 4-18 and am aware of child development, attachment theory and family networks. I am also a registered member of the BACP who have a minimum quality standard for counsellors and therapists in the UK. For a list of my qualifications and other training, please see my About Me page.

What if my child can’t talk about their feelings?

It can be hard to think about big feelings, however old you are! That’s why I have art materials, toys, games and books to help all children find a way to express how they’re feeling. If they can’t find the words, I can help. We also may not talk much at all, and that’s ok too.

What happens when I contact you?

I offer a free 30 minute consultation where you can tell me a bit more about what’s going on and I can tell you how I work. Then, if we both agree, I will arrange an initial session to meet your child.

How does counselling work?

By listening carefully to what your child says, and reflecting back what I hear, I can help your child to make sense of what’s happening and understand how this is affecting them. Then we can work together to decide what can change, and how.

What is confidentiality?

It means that what we talk about in the counselling room doesn’t get shared with anyone else. Counselling is most effective if your child is permitted to keep their counselling relationship private, therefore I will not talk to anyone at home or in school about what is discussed in the sessions without your child’s permission. They may talk about their sessions with anyone they choose. Please allow your child to decide whether, and how much, they wish to talk with you about their sessions. If I feel that your child isn’t safe, however, then I will need to think with some other people about the best way to support them. This may be you, as a parent, but may also be social services or the police.

I want to help my child, can I be more involved?

I understand that, as a parent, you want to support your child and be involved in their care. I will work with you to do this. There may be times where it is appropriate for you to be in the session with your child, but usually this is their space to share whatever’s on their mind. If you feel you would benefit from some counselling yourself, I can help you to find someone appropriate.

How long are sessions, and what can I do while I wait?

Sessions are 50 minutes long. I work out of my house, and you are welcome to park in my drive, or on the road outside, and wait for your child there. Alternatively, Chesham is a 5 minute drive away where there are plenty of coffee shops. All I ask is that you remain contactable in case of an emergency.

What do you charge?

I charge £60 per 50 minute session. Any professional reports or letters you request may also incur an additional fee.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your session time is unique to you, and I cannot fit another client in if you cancel, therefore you will be charged the full session rate if you cannot attend a session. I will always try to find an alternative session time for you that week.