Child Counselling (Ages 11-12)
Being 11 or 12 is a time of big changes! You might be figuring out who you are, navigating new friendships, dealing with schoolwork, and sometimes, feeling all sorts of confusing emotions. At With You in Mind Counselling, we understand that growing up can be challenging, and we're here to support you through these important years.
We offer a dedicated, confidential, and compassionate counselling service specifically designed to support young people through these crucial developmental stages. Our counsellors provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where children can openly explore their thoughts and feelings.
Resilience
Our focus is on equipping young people with practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions effectively. Through our counselling sessions, we utilise techniques such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation strategies, and problem-solving skills to help them develop healthy coping mechanisms. Our aim is to build inner strength and resilience, helping to navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater confidence and adaptability.
Communication & Self-Esteem
We support young clients in developing vital communication skills, empowering them to express themselves clearly and assertively. Through our person-centred approach, we create an environment where young people can safely explore their thoughts and feelings about themselves. We focus on identifying their individual strengths and fostering a more positive self-view through empathetic listening and collaborative exploration. This process helps young people to build robust self-awareness, improve their relationships, and significantly boost their overall self-esteem and confidence in various social and personal settings.
Understanding Emotions
Our service helps young people gain a deeper and more compassionate understanding of their own feelings and behaviours. Through explorative counselling, we provide a safe space to process complex emotions, often using creative arts and play therapy techniques (for younger clients) or reflective dialogue and emotional exploration (for older teens) to help them articulate what they're experiencing. This insight empowers them to set achievable goals that align with their true selves, make informed choices, and more effectively navigate the complexities of friendships, family dynamics, academic pressures, and future transitions.
The Beginning
The initial sessions are all about getting to know you. This is a crucial time for building trust and understanding. We provide a safe space to explore the reasons you're seeking support, allowing you to share your experiences at your own pace. There's no pressure to delve deep immediately; the focus is on establishing comfort and ensuring you feel heard and understood as we begin counselling.
The Journey
Once a comfortable foundation is set, regular, confidential sessions become a dedicated space for deeper exploration. During these times, individuals can delve into their thoughts and feelings, using conversation, creative activities, or other methods that feel most suitable. The counsellor listens empathetically, offering guidance to help develop personal coping strategies and gain deeper insights. The focus is always on the individual's unique journey, ensuring a supportive and non-judgmental experience throughout.
The Ending
Knowing when to stop counselling is a personal decision, not a fixed number of sessions. Sometimes, support is needed for a short while to tackle a specific issue. Other times, it's a medium-term journey for bigger challenges, or even long-term for deeper personal growth. We'll regularly check in together to see how things are going, and the decision to end counselling is made when you feel ready.
How Counselling Can Help
How It Works
