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 'Children are one third of our population and all of our future.'   

 (Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981)

 

    

 
'And though they are with you
yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love
but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts'
 
('On Children' from The Prophet, 
by Khalil Gibran)
 
Whether or not you have children of your own, you were a child once, and no doubt have lots of childhood memories; some good, some not so good. I am the parent of a 17 year old and though I try to make sure that there are lots of happy memories, it is beyond my power to ensure that there are no bad memories. 
 
Adults and children can learn a lot from the bad times, but we sometimes need a little extra support to help us through. Counselling can be a valuable source of support, and can make a big difference for both adults and children.               
                   
I feel so privileged to have gained experience of counselling children, having until recently worked in a school (for two years) as a volunteer counsellor. I have also attended several training courses for work with children.
 
I'm afraid I don't see children  under the age of 13 privately for counselling, though. This is because of the importance of creating a safe environment for myself and my clients and  also due to the fact that there are unfortunately various risks involved in lone working with children. Having completed a 'Risk Assessment' and after a great deal of deliberation, it is with deep regret that I have reached this decision, but I feel that it is the right decision, for the time being. 
 
However, I'd love to put my valuable experience to good use, as I really loved working with children and got a lot of satisfaction out this type of work. I am keen to link in with other agencies who are involved with children - such as schools, youth clubs, social services, etc, to provide counselling and groupwork for children.

If you work for an organisation involved with children and think that there may be an opportunity for us work together, then please do let me know. Thank you. I have been CRB checked (Enhanced Disclosure). 

Before I start working with a young person under the age of 16, I meet up with a parent first, to get an overview of the reasons why the child is being referred for counselling.

This first appointment will last around 30 minutes and will cost £20.

There will also be a short review session with a parent, usually after around 5 or 6  counselling sessions have taken place.