My child or teenager
Counselling for children and young people
We can offer counselling for children and young people who need help in dealing with a difficult experience, or who are struggling with their mental health for a variety of reasons.
You're not alone
For children and young people, counselling can be a great way to help process their feelings. It is increasingly common for children and young people to be negatively impacted by societal pressures or experiences at school, such as bullying, which can lead to low self-esteem, poor body image, and ultimately anxiety and depression.
Relationships Derby offer counsellors who specialise in working with children and young people and can provide a supportive and non-threatening environment in which the child or young person can feel safe to express their feelings and emotions. Counselling can be conducted face-to-face, over Zoom, or over the phone.
We recognise the importance of the emotional health of children and young people and the impact on the whole family when a young person is struggling.
We have been providing counselling and other emotional health services to thousands of young people in Derbyshire and East Staffordshire from our office and in secondary and primary schools.
We offer a safe place for young people to talk about their thoughts and feelings in private without making them feel judged. This can make a positive difference to their lives.
We work closely with other organisations that support children and young people to help deliver local support appropriate for your child’s needs. If we can’t help, we will do our best to find another specialist service which can.
Frequently asked questions
What is child counselling, and how does it differ from adult therapy?
Child counselling provides a safe and supportive environment for children and adolescents to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Therapists often use age-appropriate methods such as play, art, or storytelling to help younger clients express themselves. Unlike adult therapy, which primarily relies on verbal communication, child counselling adapts techniques to suit the developmental stage of the young person.
What is an individual therapy session?
Counselling can assist with a range of challenges, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Low self-esteem
- Bullying experiences
- Family changes, such as divorce or bereavement
- Behavioral difficulties
- School-related stress
It's important to note that seeking counselling doesn't require a diagnosed mental health condition; it can be beneficial for any child facing emotional or behavioral difficulties.
What if my child is reluctant to attend counselling?
It's common for children to feel apprehensive about counselling. To ease their concerns:
- Explain what counselling involves in simple, reassuring terms.
- Emphasize that it's a safe space to talk about feelings.
- Allow them to express their fears and answer any questions they have.
- Consider arranging an initial meeting with the therapist to build rapport.
“My child cannot speak highly enough about C (Counsellor) and found it particularly helpful that she was knowledgeable about her health condition and showed such empathy and understanding. She really loved the sessions she had with her."
H
Parent of a young person
Ready to get help?
Get started on your counselling journey with an introductory conversation to understand where you need help.
We will match you with one of our specialist counsellors and arrange your first counselling session. It's as simple as that.