Counselling in Worthing for Teenagers and Young People
Is your teen struggling with social situations? Do they explode with anger at the slightest thing? Are they exhibiting signs of anxiety or depression?..
As an experienced psychotherapist I provide specialist therapy and parental support for children aged 12 upwards.
In some ways counselling for teenagers is similar to that of adults; it is based on forming a relationship with the foundations of confidentiality and trust. However, when working with children who may not know how to express their feelings verbally or may not have the awareness to express their feelings verbally, it is often necessary to use creative approaches such as art and play in order to give them an alternative mode of communication.
In most cases children are referred to counselling because of feelings and behaviours that are making life difficult for themselves and / or those around them. Perhaps they are struggling to cope with their anger or feelings of anxiety. Maybe they are finding it hard to come to terms with a loss or parental separation. Sometimes they don’t even know what it is that is wrong. Counselling can help children to understand their emotions, their feelings and their thoughts.
What happens in the sessions?
During our initial session you will be given the opportunity to explain what your child is struggling with. Based on this information I will advise on the type of therapy that would be most beneficial for your child. CBT is likely to be the appropriate treatment for anxiety difficulties. However, if your child is finding it difficult to come to terms with a life event then counselling is likely to be the best route.
During each session your child will be encouraged but not forced to talk about their feelings and behaviours. Sometimes children find it hard to open up or they may not even know what their feelings are. Creative therapy such as sand play, art and story telling offers an indirect way of expressing feelings, thoughts and emotions which can then either be worked through in metaphor or gently brought to the child’s awareness and worked through directly.
For those children who are exhibiting signs of excessive anxiety and / or anger it will often help to teach them a little about how their brain functions when they get angry and anxious and how they can learn tore-train their brain to be less reactive.
If it is felt appropriate I might explore techniques for managing behaviour with the child and / or set homework tasks. However, this is not suitable when counselling every child.
Cost
Initial 30 – 40 minute meeting: £25
Counselling session £50
Cognitive behavioural therapy: £60
