Child Counselling

Child counselling is a therapeutic process that aims to support children and adolescents in navigating various emotional, behavioural, or social challenges. It involves working with a trained professional who specialises in helping children express themselves, develop coping skills, and find solutions to their problems.

Children may benefit from counselling when they experience difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bullying, family issues, academic struggles, or any other significant life event that impacts their emotional well-being. Counselling provides a safe space for them to explore their feelings, learn healthy coping strategies, and develop resilience.
Sometimes, a listening and independent ear can be very useful.

If you notice persistent changes in your child’s behaviour, mood, academic performance, or social interactions, it may be a sign that they could benefit from counselling. Examples include withdrawal from activities, sudden anger or aggression, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, prolonged sadness, or difficulties in concentrating.
Get in touch if you would like some friendly guidance.

Child counselling typically involves one-on-one sessions between the child and the therapist, where they engage in age-appropriate activities, discussions, and play-based interventions to explore the child’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The therapist establishes a trusting relationship with the child and collaborates with them to identify goals and work towards positive change.

Parental involvement is often an essential component of child counselling. While the child’s sessions are confidential, therapists typically engage parents in regular check-ins or separate sessions to provide updates, discuss strategies for supporting their child at home, and offer guidance on promoting their child’s wellbeing.

The duration of child counselling varies depending on the child’s needs and the specific concerns being addressed. Some issues may require only a few sessions, while others might benefit from longer-term support. The therapist will discuss with you to establish a treatment plan and determine the estimated duration of counselling.

No – our counsellors are not qualified to prescribe medicine. They may talk with you about interventions from other healthcare professions but at no time will medicine be prescribed or administered to your child in a session.

Many insurance plans provide coverage for mental health services, including child counselling. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about your specific coverage details, including any copayments or deductibles that may apply. Let us know and we can talk you through the insurance process.

It is not uncommon for children to feel apprehensive or resistant to the idea of counselling, especially if they are unfamiliar with the process. Engage in open and honest conversations with your child, explaining the benefits of counselling and addressing any concerns they may have. If resistance persists, please get in touch so that we can help. It might be that they need to meet us or come to the Kent Wellbeing hub to see where the4 sessions will take place.