Counselling for Primary-Aged Children (4-11)

“I founded Create and Connect Counselling in 2020 to help make mental health support more accessible for children. I offer counselling and play-based therapy in primary schools and one-to-one sessions after school in West Street, Fareham for ages 4-11 years.”

Is counselling right for your child?

You may be noticing that your child is experiencing difficulties such as:

• Anxiety or worries
• Emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating feelings
• Friendship or social challenges
• Low self-esteem or confidence
• Difficulties with change or transitions (e.g. school, family changes)
• Bereavement or loss
• Managing the school environment with Autism and/or ADHD

Sometimes parents come to me with a clear concern. Other times, they simply feel something isn’t quite right and want early support before things become more difficult.

How I work with children

Every child is unique, so sessions are tailored to their individual emotional, social, and behavioural needs.

l use an integrative approach, which may include:

• Play therapy techniques
• Creative and art-based expression
• Talking therapy

Sessions are conducted confidentially on a one-to-one basis between your child and me. However, you will be involved in the therapeutic process through regular review meetings, every six sessions, to discuss your child’s progress.

Who I work with

I primarily work with children aged 4-11 in primary school, supporting emotional wellbeing and development through early intervention.

My training also includes working with young people up to age 17 so I also work with clients in early adolescence and teenagers where there is a good therapeutic fit. This is particularly where emotional development is more aligned with a younger age range. These referrals are considered on a case-by-case basis.

I work best with families who:

• Are open to the counselling process
• Value consistency and regular attendance
• Are willing to support their child throughout their therapeutic journey
• Understand that emotional change takes time

In-school counselling provision

School counselling is at the heart of my professional practice. Following my specialist training in children’s counselling in London, I have worked as a primary school counsellor for over six years and currently provide weekly counselling provision within primary schools in the Waterlooville area of Hampshire.

I offer one-to-one counselling for children experiencing a range of emotional, social and behavioural difficulties, including anxiety, trauma, bereavement, family-related challenges, emotional regulation difficulties and school-based concerns.

Many of the children I work with have already benefited from support through their school’s ELSA provision. In some cases, counselling can be a helpful next step, providing regular therapeutic sessions where children can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences in greater depth.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are a parent seeking mental health support for your child outside of school, I provide sessions in the evenings at The West Street Counselling Practice in Fareham. Please drop me an email or contact me for your free 15 minute phone consultation 07815 774231.

If you are a school representative looking for professional mental health provision in your primary school please drop me an email: amanda.createandconnect@gmail.com and I will be in contact as soon as possible.

Not quite ready to get in touch?

You are welcome to follow my Facebook page, Create and Connect Child Counselling, where I share insights, resources and practical information about children’s emotional wellbeing as well as more information about the services I offer.