Counselling and Children and Young People

Growing up isn't always easy. There can be lots of changes, emotions and experiences along the way, and sometimes things can feel difficult to understand or talk about. At earthandmindtherapy, children and young people are offered a safe, welcoming space where they can feel comfortable being themselves. Whether something is happening at school, at home, with friendships or within themselves, having someone to talk to can help.

Understanding young people

Every young person is different, and everyone has their own way of expressing themselves. Some may find it easy to talk about how they're feeling, while others might find it harder to put things into words. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and no expectation to know where to start. Sessions are shaped around the individual, taking things at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

What can counselling help with?

There are lots of reasons a young person might come to counselling. Some of these might include: Anxiety and worries Friendships and relationships Bullying and difficulties at school Confidence and self-esteem Family changes and relationships Low mood and feeling sad Negative thoughts and difficult feelings Managing difficult emotions Feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood Difficult or upsetting experiences Changes and challenges growing up Everyone's experiences are different, and this list is just a starting point.

Having someone to talk to

Sometimes young people can have thoughts and feelings that they find difficult to talk about, or they might not fully understand why they're feeling a certain way. Counselling offers time and space to explore these feelings, talk things through and begin to make sense of what's going on. There is no pressure to talk about everything straight away, and sessions can be adapted to what feels right for each young person.

Neurodiversity

Everyone experiences the world differently. It's important to recognise and understand these differences, including how young people communicate, process things and experience everyday life. The aim is to offer an accepting space where young people can feel understood and where their individual needs are respected.

Working alongside parents and carers

Looking for counselling for your child can sometimes feel like a big step. Parents and carers are an important part of a young person's support network, and it's important that everyone understands how counselling works. Confidentiality is explained from the beginning, including its limits and when information may need to be shared to help keep a young person safe.

Taking the first step

Finding the right counsellor is important. Whether you're a parent looking for support for your child or a young person thinking about counselling, getting in touch is a good place to start. You don't need to have all the answers or know exactly what you want to talk about. Sometimes taking that first step is enough.