What is counselling?
Counselling is an intervention that allows children and young people to explore, understand and overcome issues in their lives which may be causing them difficulty, distress and/ or confusion.
A counselling relationship has identified boundaries and an explicit contract agreed between the young person, counsellor and parent or carer.
Good mental and emotional wellbeing is an integral part of children and young people’s holistic development. When this development is inhibited, counselling can be an effective and important resource.
The aims of counselling are…
Why might I need to see a counsellor?
Sometimes children or young people need a space where they can share their feelings away from friends, family and teachers. Counselling offers a non-judgemental, private and safe place to explore emotions.
Signs to look out for …
The Session …
What happens in the counselling room?
The counselling session takes place on a one to one basis, at the same time and place every week for 50 minutes. This consistency and regularity of session times is an important aspect of the counselling process so good attendance is important.
The psychodynamic approach is a talking therapy which allows the child to freely express themselves, using a range of toys and art materials. The child will be allocated a toy box and sand tray, which will not be shared. This allows the child to create their own personal world in their box, knowing it is kept safe and secure. They will also store their artwork in an individual file so they can reflect on their therapeutic journey.
Sand play
This is a nonverbal, therapeutic intervention that makes use of a sandbox, toy figures, and sometimes water, to create scenes of miniature worlds that reflect a person’s inner thoughts, struggles, and concerns. It allows the opportunity to resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain acceptance of the self.
Expressive Art
Creative expression can help children to explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and develop social skills.
The Psychodynamic Toolkit
Therapeutic toys and materials that are used to aid the session …
Confidentiality
The contents of each counselling session are confidential between the counsellor and the child unless the child’s welfare or safety, or that of another, is considered to be at risk of significant harm. In this instance, the necessary information is shared with the Safeguarding Lead who will speak with the child and make a decision on any further action to be taken. The Safeguarding Lead will share this information with the child’s parents unless doing so is considered to be putting the child at risk.