You may be a child or young person who wants to talk to someone about the issues you are going through – and it might be difficult or impossible to talk to your friends or a family member. Perhaps you don’t feel able to talk to a teacher, or you might be worried that they would tell your parents what you’ve said. 

Sometimes it can be really helpful to talk about difficult things with someone who you never have to see again if you don’t want to. Someone who can listen without making you feel bad about any of your thoughts and feelings, someone who wants to understand what is happening for you and help you to get through it.

If you talk to a trained counsellor like me, whatever you say will be kept confidential – that is, kept private and not shared with anyone – unless you are at risk of seriously harming yourself or harming others. I’m here to work in your best interests and I will talk to you about any concerns I have about your safety or wellbeing, and only share information with others if I feel you are at serious risk of harm. 

Counsellors can really help you to work through difficult things. Here are a few examples: friendship issues, jealousy, favouritism, anger issues, body changes (puberty), exam stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, not liking your body, not wanting to eat properly, feeling misunderstood, feeling neglected or unloved, horrible teachers, bullies and cyberbullying, loss of a pet or someone in your family, future plans and subject choices, school, college or university issues, intrusive thoughts, not getting on with your parents, not wanting to live, not wanting to do anything, finding your own way, questioning who you are, which groups you fit into and which you don’t, crushes, breakups, intimate relationships, jobs, annoying siblings, being grounded, mental illness, neurodivergence, caring for others, and people who just don’t understand.

As a counsellor I will always try to find a way to understand what you’re going through – this may be through talking, but not always. I might suggest other ways of communicating – drawing, playing games, using metaphor, favourite song lyrics or films. I might suggest you choose cards or buttons to represent you or someone close to you. 

You might have a particular issue you want to talk about or have subjects which you don’t feel comfortable or ready to explore. Whatever you want to talk about (or not) is okay. Sometimes what we need is some thinking time. 

If you are interested in working with me please get in touch or ask your parents/family members/caregivers to contact me – I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about counselling.