Information for Parents

I offer one-to-one counselling for children aged 4–11 at West Street Counselling Centre in Fareham.

Children don’t always have the words to explain what they are thinking or feeling. Counselling gives them the opportunity to explore their experiences in ways that feel natural to them.I use an integrative approach combining play, creativity and talking therapy. Depending on the individual child, sessions might include drawing, painting, small-world play, games, clay, storytelling or simply talking.

How Child Counselling Works

1. Free 15-minute telephone consultation

We begin with a short telephone conversation where you can briefly tell me what has been happening for your child and ask any initial questions.

2. Initial Parent Consultation

Before I meet your child, we have a 50-minute parent-only consultation. This gives us time to explore your child’s needs, relevant background and current difficulties in more detail which helps me build a fuller picture of how I can support them.

3.  Child Counselling Sessions

Your child then begins their individual counselling sessions. I recommend starting with a minimum of six sessions to give them time to become comfortable with me, develop the therapeutic relationship and begin to explore their emotions. Sessions take place weekly, on the same day and at the same time where possible to provide consistency and predictability for your child.

4. Reviewing Progress

You will be invited to join your child for the sixth session so that we can reflect on their progress together. At this point, we can decide whether to conclude the work, add a further two sessions to support a planned ending, or continue with another block of six sessions. This will depend on your child’s individual needs, progress and therapeutic goals.

Does my child have to talk about what’s worrying them?

No. Children do not always have the words to explain how they are feeling, and they will never be expected to talk about something before they are ready. Play and creativity can provide other ways for children to communicate and explore their experiences.

What happens in a child counselling session?

Every child is different, so sessions are tailored to your child’s individual needs. They may choose to talk, draw, paint, play, use creative materials or explore feelings in other ways. There is no expectation for your child to work in one particular way.

How many counselling sessions will my child need?

I recommend beginning with a minimum of six sessions. We review progress at the sixth session and decide together what happens next. Some children may be ready to work towards an ending, while others may benefit from continuing for another block of sessions.

How will I know what is happening in the sessions?

I keep parents involved while also protecting the confidentiality of their child’s sessions. This gives children the space to explore their thoughts and feelings freely. We have regular review meetings to discuss progress and how things are going.

I will explain confidentiality and its boundaries to your child before counselling begins. If I have concerns about your child’s safety or wellbeing, I will follow appropriate safeguarding procedures.

How will I know whether counselling is helping?

Change can look different for every child and may happen gradually. We will review your child’s progress and consider any changes you or your child have noticed. The sixth-session review gives us an opportunity to reflect together and consider what your child needs next.

Book a free 15-minute phone consultation

In the form below, please provide a few details of the support you are looking for and your availability for a free phone consultation. I will be in contact soon to see how I can support your family.