Counselling for Children, Teenagers & Young People in Brighton & Hove and Online
Children and young people can experience emotional, behavioural, relational and developmental challenges, just as adults can. Sometimes they know exactly what is worrying them; at other times they may not yet have the words to explain what is happening.
I offer counselling and therapy for children, tweens, teenagers, adolescents and young people, providing a safe and supportive space that can be adapted to their age, developmental stage, personality and individual needs.
Children Aged 7–10
With younger children, I can offer a child-centred and creative approach. Sessions do not have to rely on sitting and talking - we can explore what they are experiencing in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
Where helpful, we may use art materials, sand tray work, storytelling, play, objects and metaphor to help a child explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences without feeling pressured to find the right words. The approach is always guided by the child, their needs and their pace.
Pre-teens / Tweens Aged 11–13
The pre-teen years can bring significant emotional, social and developmental changes. They may be navigating changing friendships, school pressures, family relationships, growing independence, self-esteem, identity and the transition between childhood and adolescence.
Counselling offers a supportive and accepting space where they can begin to make sense of what they are experiencing. Sessions are tailored to the tween and may combine talking with creative approaches such as art, games, objects and metaphor, helping them communicate in ways that feel comfortable and age-appropriate.
Adolescents / Teenagers Aged 14–18
Teenagers can face pressures around school, exams, friendships, family, relationships, identity, self-esteem, ADHD, autism, social expectations and growing independence. It can be a time when emotions feel particularly intense or difficult to understand.
Counselling provides a confidential space where teens can explore what is happening for them, develop a greater understanding of their thoughts and feelings, and find ways of coping that feel manageable and meaningful to them.
Depending on the teenager, sessions may involve talking therapy alongside creative approaches. The work is collaborative and shaped around the young person, giving them space to explore at their own pace and in a way that feels right for them.
Working With Children
Every child and young person is different, so I adapt therapy to the individual. Talking may be central for some; for others, drawing, art, sand trays, music, metaphor or play can offer other ways to communicate. There is no pressure to use these approaches; they are always optional.
The aim is to help the young person feel safe enough to explore what matters to them in a way that works for them.
My Experience With Children & Young People
Through my background in teaching, education, counselling work in schools and therapeutic work with children and young people, I have experience supporting a wide range of emotional, relational and developmental needs.
Working With Parents & Carers
Before counselling begins, we talk about what has prompted you to seek support, how sessions will work, confidentiality, consent, parental involvement, safeguarding and practical arrangements.
Counselling gives a child or young person their own therapeutic space. I explain confidentiality clearly at the start, including the circumstances in which information may need to be shared because of concerns about safety or safeguarding.
The level of parent or carer involvement will depend on the young person's age, needs and circumstances, and we can talk about this together.
Arrange a Free Initial Conversation
If you would like to find out more or arrange a free initial conversation, please get in touch.