What to Expect from Counselling for Children and Teens

Starting Counselling for Your Child or Young Person

When you contact me to discuss support for your child or young person, I will offer an initial assessment session. This is an opportunity to explore whether counselling with me feels like a good fit and to ensure we are all comfortable moving forward.

During this first meeting, I will explain how I work, including my safeguarding and confidentiality procedures, and answer any questions you may have.

Parents and carers are welcome to attend this session, particularly for the initial contracting and safeguarding discussions. If your child or young person feels comfortable, they may then choose for the session to continue one-to-one. This helps to establish the counselling space as their own, where they can feel safe, respected and able to express themselves freely.

Moving Forward

If we agree that continuing with counselling would be helpful, we will discuss availability, payment expectations and your hopes for the work.

I usually offer an initial block of six sessions. Towards the end of this block, I will invite your child or young person to reflect on their experience and whether they feel the sessions have been helpful.

With their consent, we will also arrange an informal review involving parents, carers or referrers. This meeting is guided by your child and gives them the opportunity to share how they feel things are going and what they might want from any further support.

Review and Ending the Work

If we decide to continue beyond the initial block, we will set further goals and agree on the next steps. If we feel it is the right time to bring the work to an end, we will plan a final closing session with your child or young person.

Endings are an important part of the counselling process. A final session allows space to reflect, say goodbye and bring the work to a thoughtful and supported close.

If Counselling Is Not the Right Fit

Sometimes, it may become clear after the assessment session that counselling with me is not the most suitable option. If this happens, I will explain my reasoning in a kind and respectful way. Where possible, I will also signpost you to alternative sources of support.

Communication During the Counselling Process

Once sessions are underway, I kindly ask that contact from parents or carers is limited to essential practical matters only. This includes payments, cancellations, or requests to reschedule.

I do not share regular updates or progress reports about what is discussed in sessions. This is to protect your child or young person’s confidentiality and ensure the counselling space remains private and trusted.

If there is a need to discuss any concerns or revisit the therapeutic plan, this will be done at an agreed time and with the involvement of your child or young person, where appropriate.