Counselling
The mental health crisis in children in the UK is worsening. In 2023, over 200,000 children and young people were referred to mental health services in a single month in England1. Yet around the same time, only 1 in 3 children who need support were able to access it 2.
Would your child or young person benefit from counselling?
Children often show us they are struggling through their behaviour, rather than their words. Anxiety, anger, withdrawal, school avoidance or low confidence can all be signs that something deeper is going on. When this happens, children need a space where they feel safe enough to explore what they are experiencing, without pressure or expectation.
At Emotionally Healthy Minds (EHM), we have a fully-qualified, BACP-registered counsellor, working with us to support children and young people. We will also soon be expanding our counselling team to meet the growing demand.
Our counselling sessions take place in a calm, safe and supportive space, where children can begin to express, process and understand their thoughts and feelings in a way that feels natural to them.
On this page:
Urgent & emergency
referrals to children's mental health services are now at record levels
The benefits of Counselling
Counselling for children and young people is a specialist form of talking therapy that provides a safe, consistent and confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Many children experience challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, friendship difficulties, school-related stress, family changes or trauma. Without the right support, these feelings can build over time. Counselling helps children and young people begin to process these experiences safely, with the guidance of a trained professional.
At times, children can struggle to express what they are going through. Child counselling sessions may therefore include play therapy, creative activities, storytelling or conversation, depending on the child’s age, needs and communication style. This flexible approach helps children feel comfortable and understood.
Unlike tutoring or coaching, counselling is not focused on goals or outcomes. Instead, it supports children to explore their emotions at their own pace, without pressure. This child-centred approach helps them develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation and resilience.
Over time, counselling can lead to improved emotional wellbeing, better relationships at home and school, increased confidence and more positive engagement with learning.
Emotion Coaching or Counselling?
It’s important to note Counselling is different to Emotion Coaching. If we feel that it would be more beneficial for your child to see an Emotion Coach or Therapist then we will discuss this with you. Please see our ‘What is the Difference Between Coaching and Counselling?’ article for more information.
What Does Counselling Look Like at Emotionally Healthy Minds?
Our counselling sessions are child-centred and tailored to each individual. We understand that children communicate in different ways, and our approach reflects this.
Depending on your child’s needs and goals, sessions may draw on different therapeutic approaches. These can include talking therapy, creative work, play-based approaches or a combination of these.
Sessions take place weekly during term time, at the same time each week, providing consistency and a sense of safety for the child.
Our Counselling Process:
Initial Parent Conversation
Following your enquiry, we begin with a call to understand your child’s needs, background and what has led you to seek support.
Initial Session
Your child will attend an initial session with their counsellor, and you will be invited to join for part of this time. This first session is gentle and informal, with no pressure or expectations.
It is simply an opportunity for your child to experience the space, meet their counsellor, and begin to feel comfortable. Building a sense of safety and trust, what we call the therapeutic relationship, is the most important part of this stage.
During this session, the counsellor will begin to build an understanding of your child. This may include exploring their experiences, current challenges, and any relevant background information.
We may talk with you about:
- What has led you to seek support at this time
- How your child is currently feeling and coping day to day
- Any previous support or interventions
- Your child’s strengths, interests and what brings them comfort
- Any relevant information around health, development or additional needs
This is not a formal assessment. It is simply a conversation that helps us begin to understand your child as an individual.
Ongoing Weekly Sessions
If counselling feels appropriate, sessions will continue weekly. The work is led by the child and unfolds over time.
Parent Communication
We provide appropriate check-ins with parents, while carefully respecting the child’s confidentiality and therapeutic space.
What Counselling can help With
Our counsellors have experience supporting children and young people with a wide range of difficulties, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Low mood and depression
- School-based anxiety or avoidance
- Friendship and social difficulties
- Bullying
- Family changes, including separation or divorce
- Bereavement and loss
- Trauma and adverse experiences
- Low self-esteem and confidence
- Anger and emotional regulation difficulties
- Neurodivergence-related challenges, such as ASC (autism), anxiety, PDA, ADD/ADHD, SEMH, dyslexia and other Special Education Needs
- Exam stress and academic pressure
- Intrusive thoughts
Safeguarding and Checks
At EHM, safeguarding is a top priority. Our counsellors are fully DBS checked and are members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), or an equivalent professional body, and work within a strict ethical framework, including having ongoing supervision.
They are fully insured, undergo daily DBS update checks and receive regular safeguarding training, ensuring our practice is safe, professional and child-centred at all times.
Read our Safeguarding Policy Statement here.
How to prepare your child for counselling
Starting counselling can feel like a big step—for both you and your child. With the right support, it can also be a really positive one.
Every parent comes to counselling with a different experience. You may have had a positive experience yourself, a difficult one, or none at all. Your child will also come with their own thoughts and feelings.
It’s completely normal for children to feel unsure, worried or even resistant at first. Speaking to someone new about their feelings can feel like a big step. They may not know what to expect, or they might be concerned about what others will think.
Here are some simple things you can do to help your child feel more comfortable and supported as they begin counselling:
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Come for a visit
If possible, come and see us beforehand. Getting familiar with the environment can help your child feel more at ease. We can show you the room (when available) so it feels less unknown. -
Introduce the counsellor
Show your child their counsellor on the ‘Meet the Team’ page on our website so they can begin to recognise who they will be spending time with. This can make the first session feel less daunting. -
Be mindful of how you talk about counselling
Children pick up on our language. Speaking about counselling in a calm, positive and matter-of-fact way helps reduce any sense of fear or stigma. -
Normalise getting support
Let your child know that lots of people need support at different times in their lives. Counselling is simply a space to talk and be listened to. -
Give them space to ask questions
Encourage your child to ask anything they are unsure about. If you don’t know the answer, you can always come back to us and we can help.
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Reassure them they can still talk to you
Counselling does not replace you. Let your child know you are still there for them and always will be. -
Don’t take it personally
Some children find it easier to talk to someone outside of the family. This is very normal and does not reflect your relationship with them. -
Be open to the process
Your child may be introduced to new ways of thinking or coping. Being open and supportive of this helps reinforce what they are learning. -
Be consistent
Consistency is key. Attending sessions regularly and gently supporting any strategies at home can make a real difference over time. -
Give it time
Counselling is not a quick fix. It can take time for a child to feel safe enough to open up. Patience is an important part of the process.
Working Hand in Hand with Parents
We understand that supporting a child’s emotional wellbeing is a shared journey.
While counselling provides a confidential space for your child, we also offer for guidance and support to parents where appropriate. These Parent and Carer Consultations help you feel more confident in supporting your child at home, while respecting the boundaries of the counselling relationship.
Where helpful, we may also recommend additional parent support alongside counselling.
Sarah
Parenting Support & Emotional Wellbeing Consultant
Ange
SEN & EHCP Consultant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are your counsellors?
Our counselling sessions are currently delivered by Kate Derrett, a fully qualified, BACP-registered counsellor who specialises in working with children and young people. From September, we will be expanding our counselling team to meet growing demand.
When is the best time to start counselling?
Counselling can be helpful at any stage, but it is often most beneficial when a child is feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or finding it difficult to cope with their emotions.
You might notice changes in behaviour, such as anxiety, withdrawal, low mood, anger or difficulties with school or relationships. These can be signs that your child is carrying something they are struggling to process on their own.
Starting counselling earlier can help prevent these feelings from becoming more deeply rooted over time. It gives your child a safe space to begin to make sense of what they are experiencing, rather than holding it in.
It’s also important to remember that what may seem small to us can feel very big to a child. Counselling creates the space for those feelings to be heard and understood, helping your child feel less alone in what they are going through.
What age groups do you offer counselling to?
We offer counselling to children and young people aged 8 to 18.
What can you help with?
Our counselling service supports children and young people with a wide range of emotional and mental health difficulties including more complex experiences such as bereavement, trauma, family changes or ongoing stress.
How long are the sessions?
Counselling sessions are 45 minutes long and take place weekly during term time.
What does a typical counselling session look like?
A typical counselling session at EHM is calm, flexible and led by the child. Sessions may include talking, creative activities, or quiet reflection, depending on what feels most comfortable. Some children express themselves through conversation, while others may use drawing, play, or creative materials to explore their thoughts and feelings.
There is no set agenda or expectation. Our counsellors provide a consistent, supportive presence, helping each child feel listened to, accepted and safe as they begin to process what they are carrying at their own pace.
Some children talk straight away, others take time. All of this is part of the process.
What is the difference between counselling and coaching?
Counselling and emotion coaching are both valuable approaches for personal development but they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts.
Please see our ‘What is the Difference Between Coaching and Counselling?’ article for more information. If you are unsure which is right, we can guide you.
How many sessions will my child need?
There are no fixed number of sessions. Counselling is a process that takes time, and the length of support will depend on your child’s individual needs.
While counselling accessed through GP or external services is often time-limited, we choose not to place a cap on sessions. This allows the work to unfold at a pace that feels safe and appropriate for your child.
We review progress along the way and work closely with you to decide what feels right.
Will I be told what my child says?
Counselling is a confidential space for your child. We will not share the detail of what is discussed unless there is a safeguarding concern. However, we will keep you updated with general themes and how your child is engaging, so you still feel supported and informed.
I am on an NHS waiting list for CAMHS, can I still access your support?
Yes, absolutely. Many of the families we support are currently on a CAMHS waiting list and choose to access counselling with us in the meantime.
This can be really helpful in ensuring your child is not left without support while they are waiting, and can prevent things from escalating or becoming more overwhelming over time.
Can I stay during the session?
Parents are usually involved at the beginning of the process, particularly during the initial session. After this, sessions are typically one-to-one, as this helps your child build trust and feel more able to open up.
How do I get started?
Simply complete our enquiry form and you will be directed to our Calendly link, where you can book a time for an initial conversation.
1. NHS Digital, https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-services-monthly-statistics
2. Children’s Commissioner | May 2025, https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/childrens-mental-health-services-2023-24/
