I provide one-to-one counselling for primary-aged children within the school day giving children a safe and consistent space to explore feelings, experiences and difficulties at their own pace.
I have worked as a school counsellor for over six years, including four years providing ongoing counselling within the same primary school I currently work in. My previous 17 years as a primary school teacher means I understand both children’s emotional needs and the realities of everyday school life.
For some children, school may be their only opportunity to access counselling provision. Having the right emotional support during childhood can make a meaningful difference to how a child feels and copes now while helping them develop skills and understanding they can carry into adolescence and adulthood.
My sessions are child-led and I use an integrative approach, adapting to each child’s age, development and individual needs.
I provide a range of art and play resources, giving children different ways to communicate and explore their experiences without pressure to talk. Children who prefer to talk can use the sessions in this way too, and I can introduce therapeutic activities or interventions where appropriate.
Children may be referred for support with:
My child counselling training at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education (IATE) in London had a strong focus on therapeutic work within primary and secondary schools. My placements took place in school settings with children aged 4-17.
Having spent 17 years as a primary school teacher, working within a school environment is very familiar to me. I understand the classroom, curriculum, SEND and pastoral support, friendships and lunchtimes, transitions and the pressures experienced by children and staff. This helps me understand the child’s difficulties within the context of their everyday school experience.
I work collaboratively with a nominated member of school staff, usually the SENCO, while maintaining confidentiality and boundaries children need for counselling to feel safe.
Over time, I have seen children become more confident in communicating their needs to the adults around them; develop strategies for managing emotions and friendships; and feel happier and more settled in school.
SENCO, Waterlooville
Before counselling begins, I meet with the school’s nominated contact to discuss each referral and consider the child’s needs, relevant background, existing support and whether counselling is appropriate. Counselling can be a natural next step for children who have already received support in school, such as ELSA, but may benefit from more in-depth therapeutic support.
Sessions are 50 minutes, weekly during term time, with the school providing a consistent private room. I bring the art, play and therapeutic resources required. I generally recommend around 12 sessions, allowing time for a trusting therapeutic relationship to develop and time to bring the sessions to a close. Some children benefit from longer-term support which can be reviewed according to individual need.
The school remains the main point of liaison, although meetings or consultations with parents and carers can also be arranged where appropriate. Provision can be tailored to the needs of individual schools with half day or full-day counselling available during term time.
If you are considering counselling for your pupils or would like to discuss how the service could work alongside your existing pastoral provision, please get in touch to arrange a time to discuss further.
📧 amanda.createandconnect@gmail.com
Contact me to book your free 15 minute phone consultation.
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