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Growing up is never easy

Children's counselling in Alnwick

A safe, confidential space

The first thing your child needs is to feel safe. That means a quiet, confidential space where they can talk, play or just be, without worrying about what happens next. I explain confidentiality to children in words they can understand, and I'm clear about the limits - they know what stays between us and what doesn't.

Before we start, we agree together what your child wants from counselling. They have a say in how we work and what we focus on. That sense of control matters, especially for a child who might feel like everything else is happening to them.

Exploring, understanding and labelling

A child who can name what they're feeling is already halfway to managing it. That's what we work on together - helping your child put words to their emotions, recognise patterns in how they think and behave, and start to understand what's driving the feelings underneath. When a child can say "I'm angry because I feel left out" instead of just lashing out, something shifts. They have a choice they didn't have before.

Sometimes what looks like bad behaviour is actually shame. A child who lashes out because they feel worthless, not because they're being difficult. And sometimes the anxious thoughts that keep your child awake at night can be gently reframed once they have the tools to recognise them.

Coping strategies and building a toolkit

Every child I work with builds their own toolkit - coping strategies that make sense for them, not ones I've prescribed from a list. What calms one child might not work for another. Some children respond to breathing techniques, some to drawing or movement, some just need to know there's someone who will sit with them when it all feels too much.

We all develop coping strategies, some helpful, some not. A child who is self-harming has found a way to manage something that feels unmanageable. The goal isn't to take that away. It's to help them find something that works better. That starts with understanding what's underneath.

Advice, signposting and referrals

If your child needs support beyond what I can offer, I'll be honest about that. I am not a medical professional and I recognise the limits of my expertise. What I can do is draw on 16 years of experience working with children

  • in primary and secondary schools across Northumberland
  • supporting positive behaviour management and Special Educational Needs for Local Authority SEND services
  • as a safeguarding professional and anti-discrimination lead for a national sports organisation
  • as a Local Authority approved foster carer

Where a child needs more than I can provide, I'm able to signpost to other services and provide evidence to support onward referrals.

Areas I cover

I'm based in Alnwick and work with families across Northumberland. If you're looking for a child therapist or counsellor in any of these areas, I'd love to hear from you:

Alnwick, Amble, Warkworth, Rothbury, Morpeth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Wooler, Seahouses and the surrounding villages.

I work from appropriate settings that ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. If you're unsure whether I cover your area, get in touch and we can discuss.

Frequently asked questions

What age range do you work with?
I work with children and young people aged 4 to 18. Sessions are tailored to each child's developmental stage, using play therapy, art therapy, creative activities and conversation as appropriate.
What happens in a first counselling session?
The first session is an opportunity for your child to meet me in a safe, relaxed setting. We talk about what they'd like to get from counselling, agree how we'll work together, and I explain confidentiality in terms they can understand. There is no pressure, it's about building trust.
How many sessions will my child need?
This varies for every child. Some children benefit from 6 sessions, others may need 12 or more. We'll review progress together and agree the right time to end. A typical programme is around 10 sessions.
How much does a session cost?
Sessions are £60 each and last approximately 50 minutes. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss whether counselling is right for your child.
Do you work with schools?
Yes. I provide individual pupil support, group work, and staff training for schools across Northumberland. Visit the Schools page for more details or get in touch to discuss your school's needs.
Are you BACP registered?
Yes. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), membership number 415732. This means I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework and engage in regular clinical supervision.
Where are you based?
I am based in Alnwick, Northumberland, and work with families across the surrounding area including Amble, Warkworth, Rothbury, Morpeth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Wooler and Seahouses.
Is everything my child says confidential?
Confidentiality is central to the therapeutic relationship. What your child shares in sessions stays between us, with agreed exceptions around safeguarding. I explain this clearly to both parents and children at the start.

Supporting children and young people

Through exploring, play and learning