Counselling for Children & Young People

Get help for your child or teenager 

Counselling can help with

Anxiety

Depression

Stress at school or at home

Anger

Domestic abuse

Bullying/friendship issues

Self-image/self-esteem

Relationship difficulties

Family issues

Grief and loss

Traumatic experiences

Eating disorders

Self-harm

My Approach

Before training as a counsellor I spent almost 20 years working in secondary schools, primarily teaching and also in a range of pastoral and supporting roles, and have therefore developed a strong understanding of children and teenagers, and can relate very well to this group.

Keen to continue working with young people, I have continued training in this as a specialist area and can use a range of skills to help children and young people identify and work through things that may be causing them pain or preventing them from enjoying a happy childhood.  Record numbers of children and teenagers are reporting feelings of stress and anxiety, which can lead to worrying behaviours.  I am able to connect with young people and help them make positive changes in their lives.  I can incorporate elements of play therapy and other creative approaches to help children and teenagers explore their difficulties in a safe and supportive environment.

Getting Started is Easy

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Free 30 Min Consultation

A no obligation chat to see if my services are right for you. 

Book Appointment

I can work with you face-to-face or remotely. 

Not sure yet?

Contact me if you would like to know more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child/teen needs counselling?

Your child or teen may benefit from counselling for a number of reasons, including stress from school and/or exams, bullying, relationship breakdowns, bereavement, or issues with addiction.  Since they may not always come to you if they need help, I you may need to look out for certain behaviours which might indicate that something is not right with your child and that they could benefit from counselling.  These might include: sudden changes in behaviour such as being withdrawn, secretive, or aggressive; crying a lot; anger issues or lashing out; changes in friendship groups; problems reported at school that you were not aware of or that are new.

Does a child or young person need parental consent to have counselling?

Young people over the age of 16 can consent to their own counselling, as with any other type of treatment.  Under the age of 16, a child can consent to their own counselling if it is believed that they have the capacity to understand fully what counselling is and what.

Do parents have the right to be informed about what their children disclose in counselling sessions?

As with any client, the content of counselling sessions with children is confidential.  The only time that a counsellor may inform parents of something disclosed by their child in a session is if the counsellor thinks the child, or somebody else, is at immediate risk of serious harm.

Can a parent be present in sessions with their child?

It is not recommended for parents to be present at sessions, as children and young people are much more likely to open up and talk about their worries when they are alone in the session.  This does not necessarily mean that they are going to disclose something about their parents, but there could be many reasons they may not feel comfortable talking with a parent present, such as embarrassment, shame, or a fear of disappointing or upsetting their parents.

What happens in a children’s counselling session?

I use creative interventions with many types of client but these can be especially effective with children, who may not be comfortable with a more formal style of counselling.  These types of interventions may include the use of cards or images, miniatures, sand tray work, colouring or arts and crafts, or playing games.   When children’s minds are focused on something else, and often especially if their hands are busy, they can often find it easier to open up about their worries. Using these sorts of interventions can also allow for children to explore feelings and relationships at a remove from themselves, and so gain perspective and insight. You can see some images here of the types of interventions I might use with children and young people. Other children and young people find they benefit from being outside and walking during the counselling session.  This gives them opportunity to explore nature, to choose their route, and to be physical as they explore their troubles.

Pricing and Booking

I offer a free 30 minute consultation, in person or remotely, so that you can get an idea of the way I work.  If you decide to book with me, sessions are £45 an hour and payment can be made by BACS, PayPal or in cash.

Ask a question or book an appointment below.

For emergencies call 999 or visit your nearest hospital

6 + 11 =

07908887098

Ilfracombe, North Devon

camillaholroydcounsellor@gmail.com