Counselling for Young People
Counselling for Young People from 11 Years Old
Life can bring a range of experiences, challenges and expectations. Whether at school, sixth form, college or university, there can be times when things feel complicated or difficult to navigate.
Friendships, relationships, family life and questions about identity or self-worth can all influence how young people feel about themselves. Sometimes it can be difficult to put thoughts and feelings into words, or understand why things feel the way they do.
Counselling offers a space to explore these experiences, feel heard and develop a greater understanding of themselves, their thoughts and feelings, and how these may be affecting their everyday lives.
Navigating Change and Uncertainty
Changes in life can bring new experiences as well as challenges. Moving schools, starting college or university, changes within the family or finding yourself in unfamiliar circumstances can all affect how a young person feels.
For some, it might involve learning something new about themselves, understanding their experiences in a different way, or adjusting to changes in their own health or that of someone close to them.
These experiences can bring a mixture of emotions, including uncertainty, frustration, sadness or relief.
How We Can Work Together
The relationship we build together is at the heart of counselling. Trust, understanding and respect create the foundations for exploring what matters to each young person.
Getting to know one another takes time, particularly when talking to someone new might feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. There is no expectation to share everything straight away, and each young person can decide what they feel ready to talk about.
Our sessions are shaped by what matters to the young person. Through conversation, curiosity and reflection, we can explore their experiences and begin to make sense of what may be happening for them. How we work adapts as our relationship develops, recognising that what feels helpful for one person may be different for another.
Starting Counselling – What to Expect
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, particularly when meeting someone new. It's natural to have questions or feel unsure about what to expect.
With younger clients, I usually begin with a short introductory call with a parent or carer, although I'm equally happy to speak directly with the young person if they prefer. This gives us an opportunity to ask questions and talk about how counselling might work.
Our first session is an opportunity to get to know one another, explore what the young person would like from counselling and talk about how we might work together. There is no expectation to share anything before they feel ready.
The decision to engage in counselling belongs to the young person. Their privacy and confidentiality are respected, including when a parent or carer has arranged the sessions. We also discuss when information may need to be shared for safety reasons.
There is no set number of sessions, and we can review how things are going together as our work develops.
Taking the First Step
If you are considering counselling for yourself or a young person, please get in touch. I offer a free 10–20 minute introductory call, giving us an opportunity to ask questions and see whether working together feels right.
Getting Started
You are welcome to arrange a short initial conversation to discuss your child’s needs and explore how counselling might support them.
Please get in touch
If you would like to find out more or arrange an introductory call, please use the form below. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact me by email, text or WhatsApp.
All enquiries are usually answered within 48 hours. If you have not received a reply within this time, please check your junk or spam folder, as messages can occasionally land there.
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