A Guide for Parents & Carers
A little reassurance and guidance when you're considering counselling for your child or teenager.
When your child is struggling, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn.
You may have noticed changes in their mood, behaviour or confidence, or perhaps they're finding friendships, school or everyday life more challenging.
I'm Katie, a qualified person-centred counsellor with specialist Level 5 training in counselling children and young people.
I offer a warm, supportive space where children and teenagers can explore their feelings at their own pace.
This page is here to help you understand what to expect and how you can support your child throughout the counselling process.
How Does Counselling Work for Children & Teenagers?
Every child is different, and counselling is adapted to their age, developmental stage and individual needs.
Children's Counselling
Younger children don't always find it easy to express their feelings through words. I offer gentle, creative and age-appropriate counselling, which may include drawing, play-based activities and conversation to help children explore their emotions, develop confidence and feel understood.
Teenage Counselling
Teenage years can bring challenges around confidence, friendships, identity, school pressures and emotional wellbeing. Counselling offers a private, supportive space where teenagers can talk openly, explore their feelings and begin to make sense of their experiences without fear of judgement.
Initial conversation
We begin with a free, no-obligation conversation to discuss your concerns, answer questions and explore whether counselling may be appropriate.
What Happens Before Counselling Begins?
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Getting to Know Your Child
We'll discuss your child's individual needs, relevant background information, consent arrangements and how confidentiality and safeguarding work.
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Counselling Sessions
Your child will have their own supportive space to explore their feelings at a pace that feels comfortable. There is no pressure to talk about anything before they're ready.
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Supporting Your Child Along the Way
Where appropriate, we can discuss how you can continue supporting your child outside counselling, while respecting their privacy and the agreed confidentiality boundaries.
Will I Be Involved in My Child's Counselling?
Parents and carers often play an important role in helping children feel supported.
For younger children, this may include an initial conversation, providing background information and discussing how best to support your child at home. For teenagers, having their own private space can be particularly important as they develop independence and confidence.
The level of parental involvement will depend on your child's age, understanding, individual circumstances and wishes. I'll explain how this works before counselling begins, including any necessary consent arrangements.
What About Confidentiality?
Trust is an important part of counselling.
Children and teenagers need to feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings without worrying that everything they say will automatically be shared with others.
I respect each young person's privacy while recognising my professional safeguarding responsibilities. If there are concerns about a child's safety, risk of significant harm or other circumstances requiring disclosure, relevant information may need to be shared with appropriate people or services.
I'll explain the boundaries of confidentiality clearly before counselling begins, so you and your child understand what to expect.
What If My Child Doesn't Want Counselling?
It's understandable that some children and teenagers may feel unsure about speaking to a counsellor.
They might worry about what they'll be asked, whether they have to talk or what others might think.
Counselling works best when a young person feels comfortable and involved in the decision.
If your child is reluctant, we can discuss their concerns and explore whether counselling is the right support for them at this time.
Sessions, Fees & Location
Session length
50-minutes
Fee
£60 per session
Free Initial
Consultation
Availible
Appointments
Wednesdays and Saturdays
Location
Phoenix Pathways Wellness & Therapy Centre, Unit 7, Bere Farm, Lytchett Matravers, near Poole, Dorset.