Every child already has strengths, resources and ways of coping. Therapy isn't about changing who they are. It's about helping them understand themselves, feel heard, and discover what they need to thrive.

 

What to expect

Our first appointment is usually with both you and your child.

It gives us the opportunity to meet one another, look around the room, answer any questions you or your child may have, and begin thinking together about whether counselling feels like the right next step.

If your child decides they would like to continue, we'll think together about how best to support them.

​​

The counselling room

The counselling room has been designed especially for children and young people.

Alongside comfortable seating, you'll find a sand tray, Lego, creative resources, games, dolls and puppets. Children don't always find words easily, and having different ways to express themselves can make therapy feel more comfortable and natural.

When you first meet your child, I'll ask you both to spend some time in the room together so you can explore the space before we begin.

When your child feels ready, you'll be invited to relax in our comfortable waiting area while they have their therapeutic conversation with me. Especially in the beginning, I'll usually invite you back into the room a few minutes before the session ends so your child has a familiar transition before leaving.

​​

Confidentiality

​

Children often have questions about confidentiality.

Together, we'll talk about what privacy means, what information stays between us, and the situations where I may need to share something in order to help keep them or someone else safe.

I believe it is important that children understand from the beginning that therapy is a place where they can speak openly, whilst also knowing that adults will help keep them safe if needed.

​​

My role

​

My role is not to question, analyse or "fix" your child.

It is to create a space where they feel comfortable enough to be themselves.

Sometimes that means talking.

Sometimes it means sitting quietly, drawing, using the sand tray, playing a game or simply taking time to build trust.

Therapy moves at your child's pace while gently helping them make sense of their experiences, understand themselves more fully and discover their own ways forward.

​​

Working together

​

Supporting a child often means supporting the adults around them too - not in a therapeutic sense. Rather in terms of keeping you informed.

Your child's counselling sessions are their own confidential space, but that doesn't mean you're left outside the process. Where appropriate, we'll work together to review how things are going, consider how best to support your child between sessions, and discuss any changes that may be helpful.

​​

Before the first session

 

Before we meet, we'll usually arrange a conversation with you first.

This gives you the opportunity to tell me about your child, what has brought you here, and what you're hoping counselling might offer.

It also means your child's first appointment can focus on getting to know them, rather than talking about them.

​​

Practical information

 

• Children and young people aged 8–16

• In-person appointments in Blackburn, Lancashire

• Online appointments available for older young people where appropriate

• Sessions are usually 50 minutes long, although there can occasionally be some flexibility depending on your child's needs.

​​

Parent Counselling Agreement

I

f you'd like to understand more about how I work with children and young people, you're welcome to read the Parent Counselling Agreement before making contact.

​​

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What if my child doesn't want to talk?

That's completely okay. Children communicate in lots of different ways. Talking is only one of them, and therapy doesn't begin with the expectation that they should immediately open up.

​

Will I know what my child talks about?

Your child's counselling sessions are their private space. I'll always encourage open communication between children and parents where it's appropriate, but I won't routinely share the content of sessions. If I ever become concerned about your child's safety or someone else's safety, we'll discuss together what needs to happen.

​​

Can I stay in the room?

The first appointment usually involves both you and your child. After that, it depends on what is most helpful for your child. We'll make those decisions together.

​

How many sessions will my child need?

Every child is different. Some benefit from a small number of sessions, whilst others want longer-term support. We'll regularly review together whether counselling continues to feel helpful.