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Online counselling for young people

emotional support for 13-19 year olds

I offer online counselling sessions to 13-19-year-olds who need some emotional support.

My way of working is based on easy, friendly conversation, and I implement the therapeutic PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) to help adolescents make sense of their thoughts and feelings. Find out more below about how I can support your son our daughter. 

"What's wrong?" - "Nothing!"

Young people face immense pressure day to day. There is lots to juggle; friends, family, school work and the ever present influence of social media. It can be difficult for teenagers to put words to what's troubling them, and sometimes they need some outside support. 

As a qualified adolescent therapist and former teacher, I am experienced at helping young people with issues of anxiety, stress, and low mood, whether caused by academic work or the school environment, the family situation, or personal issues.

Each young person is different, and I will discuss things with you to come up with a way forward. 

When things aren't going well


Have you noticed any recent changes in mood or behaviour in your adolescent child? Are you finding it difficult to reach them in order to find out what is troubling them? That's perfectly normal! Adolescents' brains are still developing, at a time when they're biologically wired to begin to separate and become more independent. 

Adolescence can be a turbulent and confusing time.


It may be the case that your teenager doesn't want to worry you with their problems. Or perhaps they aren't fully aware of what is going on for them in a way that feels possible to articulate. Instead, you may notice disruptions in eating or sleeping, they may struggle to concentrate on school work or become anxious, tearful, withdrawn or have angry outbursts.  

Sometimes, it can be easier for teenagers to talk about their emotional experience in confidence with someone outside of the family.

If you would like to find out more about how I could help your teenager navigate their difficulties, please get in touch and I will be happy to discuss possible solutions.
You can book a free 20-minute initial parent consultation here:






Specific challenges: giftedness, high sensitivity and introversion

Giftedness can bring very specific challenges for young people, both socially and academically, and can often lead to mental health issues without the right support.


I am passionate about helping people find deep-going emotional health, so they can feel happy in themselves and find true meaning in life.

Being on the gifted and talented register is a special educational need, yet adequate provision is not always being made for these students.

Exceptionally capable children often seem to manage well, but underneath the surface they may struggle to organise and process their emotional experience.

Managing their weekly timetable, workload and extra-curricular activities can become a constant strain that means that there is little time to switch off and relax.

Young people who are highly sensitive (HSP) may suffer from cognitive overload at school and fare less well in a noisy, crowded environment.

Similarly, if you have an introverted teenager, the fast-paced school environment with little opportunity for quiet, rest, and respite throughout the day can feel particularly challenging.

I have special expertise, as well as lived experience, in giftedness, high sensitivity and introversion, which means I can support adolescents who identify with all or any of these traits. 



 

How I work

Quality services you can trust

Sessions take place online via Zoom, following an initial consultation with parents where we discuss your current situation, family background, and any significant events that have led up to this point.

 

May way of working is relational and conversation-based. I meet the young person where they are, and build a safe and trusting relationship with them, so that they can tell me, at their own pace, about themselves and their day to day experiences.

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In addition to conversation, I use the creative arts in my work. This offers a rich and imaginative way to reflect and express thoughts and feelings. We may use drawing, online sandtray, and other arts-based methods such as storytelling, drama or puppetry. You can read more here.

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Part of the work together is helping the young person find practical ways to manage their daily schedule, and equip them with effective tools they can use to manage stress and support their emotional well-being in between therapy sessions.

 

We may use bodywork, such as stretching or breathing exercises to calm the body and deal with anxiety and stress. This is part of 'resourcing' the young person with activities that they can also do themselves.

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If appropriate, I may explain some psychological theory (also known as psycho-education) to help the young person understand how the brain reacts to stress, for example. so they can make sense of their reactions and learn to respond better to stressful or upsetting events.

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The work with the young person is confidential, with some exceptions in relation to safeguarding. I will explain this to you in detail during the parental consultation.

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I hold an enhanced DBS check for work with children and young people.

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Here are some areas that I can help with:

  • Anxiety

  • Bereavement

  • Bullying and peer relationships

  • Dealing with a big life event or life change

  • Depression, low mood, feeing down

  • Emotional problems

  • Exam pressures

  • Family issues, separation, or divorce

  • Friendship issues

  • Loss of a beloved pet

  • Low self-esteem or self-confidence

  • Moving home or changing schools
  • Relationship to parent/s

  • Separation anxiety/School refusal

  • Sibling Issues

  • Stress

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