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Growing up is never easy

What is psychotherapeutic counselling?

A safe, confidential space

Psychotherapeutic counselling provides children and young people with a safe, confidential space within which they can build a relationship of trust. I establish a contract where the child or young person understands the meaning of confidentiality and the limits applied to ensure they are safeguarded appropriately.

I begin and end the therapeutic relationship with clear expectations and goal setting. I encourage the child or young person to contribute to the therapeutic contract, have a voice in the direction of their therapy and make autonomous decisions, in the hope that they feel they have control over the process of bringing about positive change in their life.

Exploring, understanding and labelling

Psychotherapeutic counselling supports children and young people to talk about their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Children who are able to label their feelings and develop emotional literacy are better able to regulate emotions, build self esteem, grow in confidence and succeed in social and academic situations. When young people are able to make links between their behaviours and the thoughts and feelings that drive them, the awareness creates opportunities for choice and change.

Coping strategies and building a toolkit

Psychotherapeutic counselling equips children and young people with a toolkit of coping strategies that work for them. Strategy banks can be built and personalised with input from the child or young person, not prescribed. What works for one child, may not work for another.

Advice, signposting and referrals

Psychotherapeutic counselling can support children and young people who are struggling. I have professional experience in working therapeutically in supervised practise with children

  • in primary and secondary educational settings
  • in education supporting positive behaviour management and Special Educational Needs for Local Authority SEND support services
  • in a sports organisation as a safeguarding professional and anti-discrimination lead governed by a National Governing Body
  • as a Local Authority approved foster carer

I am not a medical professional and recognise the limits of my professional expertise. I am able to signpost to Services and provide evidence on request to support onward referrals.

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, 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 and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
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