Child counselling
Child counselling helps younger children express feelings they may struggle to put into words, including worry, anger, sadness and distress following changes at home. I use talking, play and creative activities to understand the child’s experience and how it affects their behaviour and relationships. Parents are involved in considering what their child needs and how to respond at home. My approach draws on attachment, DDP and Theraplay training, with the format and pace shaped around the child rather than expecting every child to talk in the same way.
When behaviour is telling you something
You might be seeing more tears, anger or withdrawal. Perhaps your child is finding a separation difficult, has lost someone close to them or is struggling in their relationships. Asking what’s wrong may get you very little further.
Children can find it difficult to explain what they feel. I take time to get to know your child and notice how they communicate, including through the things they choose to do in a session.
What happens in the room
I have worked with children and adolescents since 2008, including in schools, NHS and family settings. That experience helps me adapt the work to a child’s age and ability to take part.
We might talk, draw, use games or work with other creative materials. These activities give us ways to explore feelings without expecting a child to describe everything in words.
We’ll discuss the approach before starting. I also want to hear what you have noticed, how your child manages at home and what you hope will become easier.
Working with parents
Your relationship with your child matters to the work. I can help you think about difficult moments at home, what may be happening for your child and the responses you find hardest to manage yourself.
My approach draws on attachment, DDP and Theraplay training. Where work together would be helpful, we can discuss involving you in sessions. We’ll agree how you are kept informed and explain privacy in a way your child can understand.
Deciding what your child needs
An initial conversation helps us consider whether individual counselling, work with you as a parent or a shared approach would make sense. It also gives you time to ask about appointments and explain any support already in place.
I won’t assume that a particular type of therapy is suitable simply because your child is having a difficult time. We need to understand their situation first.
Questions before getting in touch
How should I explain counselling to my child?
Keep the explanation simple and appropriate to their age. We can discuss the words you use before the first appointment, so they understand who they will meet and why.
Does my child need to be good at talking about feelings?
No. Creative activities are part of how I work with children who find direct conversation difficult.
Can I ask for help without my child attending?
Yes. Parenting support is a separate option if you want help thinking through your own responses or understanding a difficulty at home.
Are online appointments suitable for younger children?
We would need to discuss your child’s age, needs and ability to take part. Online work is not automatically the most suitable arrangement for every child.
Tell me what you have noticed
You can contact me with your concerns before deciding on counselling. The free chat gives us a starting point for discussing your child’s needs.
Welcoming people across Sussex
I welcome families in Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks and Chichester for child counselling at my Brighton practice. The needs of the child determine the arrangement, including whether any parent conversations could take place online if coming in is difficult. Related services include teen support for Lewes families and adoption support across East Sussex. Online conversations need a quiet setting where family matters can be discussed privately.
