I can offer a calm, safe environment. Through talking, creative work and play I aim to provide children with the opportunity to be heard and to express their feelings. Most importantly a therapeutic relationship is built up and I build this by engaging with children through the medium of play or playfulness. My aim is to establish a strong relationship with the child so that they feel secure enough to share worries and concerns when they are ready to do so. Once trust is established I seek to build the emotional resilience of the child.
Fundamentally, in my work with children, my therapeutic approach is informed by attachment theory which emphasises the crucial developmental significance of the relationships and experiences of early childhood.
I have had extensive training through the charity Place2Be whilst working at two primary schools in Manchester. Place2Be offers emotional and therapeutic services in primary and secondary schools, building children's resilience through talking, creative work and play. It helps children cope with wide ranging and often complex issues including bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown, neglect and trauma.
I currently work in four primary schools in the High Peak as part of the Parachute counselling service.
What will happen when my child has counselling?
Helen works with children from age 5 up to young people aged 18. Counselling differs depending what age your child is and how they feel comfortable working with a therapist. The information below may help you to understand what will happen.
Why might you refer your child for counselling?
There can be lots of reasons why it may be helpful for a child to have some sessions of counselling. Some examples are:
Your child:
- is experiencing bullying
- is struggling with friendships at school
- has experienced ill health or bereavement of a family member or friend
- has/is experiencing a transition from a different school
- has/is experiencing a parental separation
- is involved in a transition to/from care
- suffers with low self esteem
- suffers with anxiety
- suffers with phobias
- has gender identity issues
- has anger/conduct issues
How long is a counselling session?
The session is an hour long. Your child will be seen on a weekly basis.
What happens in the sessions?
- Talking
Counselling offers children a space to talk about their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. It helps them to share any worries or problems they may have and to build their confidence and self-esteem. It can be difficult for children to be able to talk to parents or family members about what they are thinking and feeling. Talking to someone outside of the family can help your child to build trust, feel heard, and feel safe whilst learning to gain coping strategies and make sense of the world. Some children will be happy to talk to Helen about whatever is worrying them, issues that they would like to tackle. Some children do not wish to talk. This is okay. The time in a different space from home or school can still be very helpful for them.
- Playing
Helen uses toys and a sand tray. She uses games that help children to build confidence and address issues that they might be struggling with. Some children paint, draw or use colouring books. Side by side activities can often aid conversation for some children and creativity can help with the expression of emotions that might be difficult to verbalise.
How many sessions will my child need?
The first session with Helen is an assessment session. It is the chance for the child/young person to get an idea of how they will be working with Helen. If they decide that they feel comfortable it is recommended that they have a weekly session for at least 4 weeks. However, during this time, progress and effectiveness of the therapy is monitored and therapy will end if appropriate or more sessions will be planned if they are deemed to be helpful/necessary.