For parents

Finding a counsellor for your child or some young person you love is an important step and I will attempt to support in you in this process as much as possible.

Sometimes when children are upset and struggling with difficulties it can become hard to talk to them because you love them and are closely involved with them. They too may find it hard to talk to you because the feelings and emotions they are experiencing are new and upsetting and they may not want to hurt you. This is where counselling can help as it provides a safe place to talk with someone who will not get upset.

It is however important that you and the young person feel comfortable talking with me as this is inportant for us to be able to build a trusting relationship. Usually, I will meet you both initially, sometimes together or sometimes separately to discuss your needs and aims for counselling and to decide if we want to continue.

After this, it is important that I am able to maintain confidentiality with your son or daughter and I would not break that trust by discussing sessions with you. Sometimes young people ask me to help them explain things to their parents and I would address that on an individual basis and agree an appropriate way forward. If you asked me about their sessions, I may mention that to them and ask if they wish me to say anything to you - in actual fact you may find that they begin to find ways to tell you things themselves and that can be quite rewarding.

I am a fully qualified counsellor, and am a full member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and work to their code of ethics. I also have Enhanced criminal records bureau disclosures that are required for any person working with children and young people and I hold a full level of insurance to cover my work.

In line with BACP requirements my work is supervised. This is where I may discuss some of my client work with a supervisor who is also registered with BACP to help ensure I am working effectively and ethically. None of my clients are identified in this process and it helps by checking I am providing the best possible level of counselling to all my clients. Confidentiality can be breached in certain situations and we would discuss this in depth at any initial meeting and they include if I thought the young person or someone else were at serious risk of harm. I try to discuss any potential confidentiality with my clients although sometimes this is not always possible.

If you have anything you would like to ask me please feel free to telephone or email me and I'll try to answer any queries you have as quickly as possible.