As an adolescent, growing from childhood to adulthood can be a challenging and difficult time. There are so many different factors in a young person’s life and at times they may feel completely overwhelmed, uncertain about what they’re thinking or feeling, or not know how to help themselves. Sometimes, just talking things through with someone who is not directly involved in their lives can be really beneficial.

Information for Young People

Counselling provides you with a safe, confidential space to talk about worries or problems you are experiencing.  As a counsellor my role is not to give advice or tell you what to do. Instead I will listen to you without judgment, help you clarify your thoughts and feelings and support you in making your own choices. Counselling can lead to changes in how you feel about yourself and your relationships with others. It can help you feel clearer, more confident and more self-aware, and can lead to personal growth.

If we are going to work together it’s really important that you feel comfortable with me, so before booking counselling sessions I offer a free 20 minute telephone consultation where you can tell me why you’d like to access counselling support and what you’d like to achieve. Your parent/carer may attend this appointment with you. I’ll ask you a few questions to help me decide if I’m the best counsellor to meet your needs and answer any questions you may have. I will also encourage you to take some time to think about whether or not you’re happy to work with me as your counsellor.

What happens in counselling sessions?

Counselling sessions themselves are one-to-one and confidential**; they are a safe space for you to talk about and explore how you’re feeling or what you’re struggling with. We can meet in person, on video call or by phone. Each session lasts for 50 minutes. In our first session, before counselling can begin, I’ll spend some time finding out more about you and your current situation. In doing this we will begin to build the strong therapeutic relationship which is essential for counselling to be effective. ** There are some safeguarding exclusions to confidentiality; these will be explained and discussed before we begin therapy sessions.

Everyone is unique and I will work in a way that best suits you. This may be by playing games, drawing, painting or doing another activity whilst talking. Or we may simply sit and talk. Together we will look at what’s going on for you and work on strategies or coping skills to help you manage your thoughts, feelings or behaviours in a better, more comfortable way.

What if you can’t help me?

I’ve worked with many young people who have had a range of difficulties and challenges, including anxiety, low mood, anger, stress, grief, self-harm, relationships, ASD, ADHD, body dysmorphia, gender identity, and more. If I feel that I can’t help you, then I may be able to refer you to someone who can provide the support you need.

Information for Parents & Carers

With several years’ experience and a specialist qualification in Counselling Children & Young People, I offer 1-1 counselling sessions with young people aged 13 years and over. Sessions can take place in person, by phone or by video call.

Before committing to counselling I offer a free 20 minute telephone consultation. This is an opportunity for your child to tell me a bit about themselves, decide whether they feel they would be comfortable working with me, and for me to ask a few questions. I I encourage you to attend this with your young person, so that you can also ask anything you are uncertain about. If you then decide to book sessions these will be 1-1 between your young person and myself, and the content of these will be confidential (with the exception of safeguarding issues).

Other Information

I am fully insured and hold an enhanced DBS certificate.

I do not diagnose clients although I can support in referrals to other agencies for assessment, for example for ASD or ADHD.

Useful Links

  • CYPS Northumberland and CAHMS Scottish Borders NHS services providing support to children & young people aged up to 18 years
  • Young Minds information, support and advice for young people and their parents/carers
  • One Step Borders mental health support for 16-25 year olds in the Scottish Borders
  • Toby Henderson Trust independently funded charity supporting autistic children, young people and adults, their families and carers in the North East of England. 
  • Kooth safe, online support for young people aged 11-25 years, available in many areas of the UK including Northumberland & Scottish Borders