Covid poses "greatest threat to mental health since the second world war." Learn more about how we're supporting people during this challenging time.
Covid poses "greatest threat to mental health since the second world war." Learn more about how we're supporting people during this challenging time.
Depression & anxiety group therapy beginning 9th May (morning and evening sessions available). Click here for more information.
Children, young people, and their families are often puzzled by how they feel and behave. Asking why doesn't seem to help, and it seems there are no straightforward answers to explain why things have become the way they are. Sometimes frustratingly for parents and carers, it's not unusual for children and young people to find it hard to talk about their feelings.
Therapy helps the child or young person recognise and describe their feelings, and explore patterns of thinking and behaviour that have become problematic. The relationship with the therapist is central to this process.
Important to us is the strength of the relationship between you and your child. You are central to your child's development and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many families go through difficult experiences, and children can be sensitive to these stressful environments. They are not immune to them. But whether their struggle stems from a family-related difficulty or they've experienced something independently, they can recover with the support of parents and other caregivers.
We support children and young people differently based on their age, stage of learning, nature of the difficulty, and several other factors. Our team help children as young as 5 years of age until they're 18 and considered adults. It's not that we don't help adults, but the process (i.e. the how) is somewhat different.
Our team of professionals have varying specialties and qualifications, each bringing something unique to our group.
Previous experience includes the NHS Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHs) and the Children's Hospital School at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Minimum qualification expectations are for each therapist to hold at least a masters degree. Examples include MA in Integrative Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy and MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Additional credentials include a Certified Cyber Therapist, DBS certified, and GDPR and safeguarding training.
There's a growing evidence base to support the effectiveness of child psychotherapy in treating a range of emotional and mental health problems. According to clinical guidance provided by NICE (National Insitute for Clinical Excellence), child psychotherapy is a recommended treatment for depression in children and young people. In supporting children and young people, we stay up-to-date with the latest research so as to provide an excellent standard of care.
Between sessions – whether weekly, biweekly or monthly – your child or young person may want to get in touch with their therapist. Not for a full session, but to connect with them about something; they've had a breakthrough, a trigger has caused a spiral, or they'd like to bounce an idea off someone.
Our "Check-In Sessions" allow them to meet with their therapist for a short, potent 20-minute consultation. Diving straight into the issue at hand, the therapist will listen, unpack and provide support until the next planned session. These sessions are only available for current clients, and we offer one free "Check-In Session" to every client who makes the 3-session commitment.
Due to their conciseness, these sessions take place through our online video portal. Here's a summary of what you'll get:
After the initial consultation, we'll invite you to commit to 3 counselling sessions. Why? Because those who commit to the therapy process benefit the most from therapy.
We've also found that having this provision in place increases the likelihood of our clients seeing the process through to completion. Only then do they experience the relief they're looking for and become the best version of themselves.
After the first 3 sessions, appointments are open-ended, and we'll continue to support your child or young person for as long as they need our assistance.
Note: For those struggling financially, we're happy to make allowances and wave this condition.
People find counselling helpful for different reasons including, but not limited to,
It will usually start with quite boring admin, like filling in the necessary forms with your personal details. We'll also ask you to talk a bit about why you're coming to counselling and what you hope to get out of it.
Additionally, initial assessments are a chance for you to check if we're the right fit for you. You might want to ask:
It may be worth writing your questions down and bringing them with you; it's easy to forget them once you're actually in there.
Defined by the NHS, "Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave."
It is one of the most effective treatments for conditions where anxiety or depression is the main problem. It is the most effective psychological treatment for moderate and severe depression and can be as effective as antidepressants.
However, it can also be used to treat several other mental health challenges. For more information about how CBT works, click here to visit NHS online.
Sometimes talking to a friend can be helpful, and counsellors often encourage clients to speak with their family and friends. However, there are some disadvantages to using friends as your only confidants and support. Learn more about the differences between talking with your counsellor and a friend.
