My Approach to Counselling with Teenagers

My approach to counselling with teenagers is built on over 20 years of experience supporting young people from diverse backgrounds in a range of ways. My journey has included a PGCE in secondary education and a previous career as a social worker including several years with a social services team in Central London, where I worked with youth at risk of homelessness and involvement in crime. More recently, I spent two years with a local charity, providing short-term counselling on behalf of CAMHS to address pressing issues like complex trauma, anxiety, low mood, and self-harm. These experiences have contributed to my way of being alongside young people in a therapeutic relationship that facilitates their expression and ability to process experiences of anxiety and distress.

I create a supportive and confidential environment where teenagers can feel heard and understood. We'll work together to facilitate self exploration and understanding , emerging values, and their sense of identity. My approach is person-centred, meaning I empower young people to lead the process. While we'll primarily use traditional talk therapy, I also offer opportunities for creative expression through a variety of means, for example, art and creative writing. This blend allows young people to express themselves in ways that feel most comfortable and effective for them, whether through words or a creative outlet. I have consistently found that this leads to a some sense of positive change, whether be in relation to specific issues such as self-harming, or school attendance or a more general sense of openness and self awareness.

A Collaborative Approach to Family Support

Counselling for a teenager doesn't happen in a vacuum. While I prioritise providing a safe and confidential space for your child, I also believe in working closely with parents and carers. I will always maintain open communication with you regarding safety concerns, while respecting your teenager's privacy.

I also offer a space for parents and carers to receive support. We can work together to explore ways you can better support your teenager and navigate the challenges of this developmental stage. My experience in outreach work, where I collaborated with parents and teachers to support at-risk youth, has shown me how vital a collaborative approach is to creating positive change.