HELPFUL INFORMATION

Before the counselling process

It can be hard to know how to approach the subject of starting counselling with your child.

If you are feeling apprehensive about how to do this or feel it might be difficult, the below may be helpful.

It can be quite overwhelming and worrying even for an adult to imagine starting therapy. It is definitely worth explaining to your child that they are not going to be forced to talk about anything they don’t want to, and that it is a chance for them to speak about anything that is arising for them privately, away from friends, family etc.

If your child is feeling anxious it may help to show them a photo of me before the session and explain you have spoken to me. That way it can feel less as though they are meeting a complete stranger when they come the first time.

You can explain to them that the room is theirs to use for themselves and that it is confidential. I will work with what they bring me, and sessions are often really fun! There are toys and art materials etc etc that they can engage with.

In general it is helpful to frame the sessions as something that is to help with the problem they are having (rather than just saying it is to go and play for example) but also to reassure them that it is a safe and fun place to come. It is worth saying it calmly and showing that it is for their benefit, for instance ‘it can be horrid to have big feelings so I found you someonevwho understands this’ or ‘I know you are feeling a bit anxious sometimes and I’ve found someone who can help you feel a bit better’

During the counselling process

When your child starts therapy for the first time it is understandable that parents like to ask questions about how the session went, what they did etc. Often the child or teenager will immediately share all of this, and it is important to show your interest as it is clearly important for them to share this with you! If your child is less forthcoming it can increase the feeling of safety about the room if you leave the child to volunteer the information. If they feel pressured to share what happened this can hinder the progress of the work.

You may or may not see changes in your child during the early stages of therapy. It all depends on the individual child and the pace they are working at. Some parents report a rapid improvement, some slower progress, and sometimes a child’s behaviour can get temporarily worse while they are delving into sensitive and emotive topics. If this does happen please be assured it is completely normal, and try and be as patient as possible while your child is processing everything.

My therapeutic approach usually means that my work is long term and open-ended rather than a set amount of sessions. The number of sessions needed depends on the individual child and their needs and engagement in the room. This can often vary and I will keep you informed of how your child is progressing.

What feedback will you receive?

The therapeutic relationship is a confidential relationship. This means I have a verbal contract with the child that I will not disclose any specifics about conversations or what happens in the room. This is unless I feel the child or someone else is not safe, in which case I would have to discuss this with the relevant party. This means that in terms of feedback, what you will receive is general information about how the child is progressing in therapy, what themes we are exploring, eg; Anger, friendships, social anxiety, family dynamics etc. It is a fairly open stream of communication but as there is a limit on how much can be shared, this will be as and when something comes up that is important to share, or to update you on how your child is engaging and progressing with therapy.

This is as I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to their ethical guidelines. This means I cannot break the confidentiality agreement, but I do have a duty to break this confidentiality if I feel there is someone that is not safe. I will always share with the child if I am going to do that.

There is not likely to be a large amount of feedback in the first six weeks as I am get to know the child and see if the themes arising are repeated and therefore of significance.

Other:

I am fully DBS checked and hold professional indemnity insurance.

I am a Registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to their ethical guidelines and codes of conduct and best practise.

I receive regular clinical supervision from a UKCP accredited supervisor to maintain best practise and to ensure my work is of a high standard.

I will take clinical notes after sessions, and may share these with my supervisor in order to receive feedback about my work. Aside from this the notes will be stored securely by me and not shared with anybody.

Prices

Sessions are weekly and cost £75 per 50 minute session.