Counselling Young People
Counselling provides an opportunity for children and young people (CYP) to share in confidence about things that are worrying them or affecting their day-to-day life. Speaking to a counsellor, away from their home and school life, can take away some of the pressure and offer a safe environment to express and understand feelings that may have been bottled up or which have become very difficult to deal with. Once time has been given to exploring these, it becomes possible to think about the way forward.
Although a variety of techniques may be used in counselling young people, the aim of counselling for both children and adults alike is the same: to help the individual cope better with their feelings and to enjoy life again.
Individual and Integrated Approach
The methods I use in sessions will depend on the child’s age, situation and development, and what they are drawn to. Without using words they might ‘show me’ their story in the sand tray, or by the way they manipulate the clay. We may explore feelings through music, drawing, painting or drama role-playing – all of which help children express themselves better.
Older children may prefer a mixture of creative and talking therapies. In all my work, I am led by the child or young person and together we establish which method is most beneficial for them.
Creative Arts Counselling
This a type of counselling that helps children and young people express themselves, explore their thoughts and feelings, and make sense of their life experiences through play and art.
This comes naturally to most children. In play, they are usually having fun, learning new skills and communication and so the medium is considered highly effective for helping children to ‘play out’ what they may find difficult to put into words.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
This a talking therapy that can help CYP (typically over the age of 8) manage problems by changing the way they think and behave. Together we will look at how they view the world, themselves and other people, and at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
CBT is a good choice for difficulty with specific emotions, as it involves reducing anxiety and learning new ideas and new ways to channel the CYP’s feelings and energy. It will also help him or her to identify their inner thoughts, and try to replace the negative ones with more positive, helpful ones.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is often combined with CBT and teaches us that we have a choice as to what we focus our attention on in the here and now and that we can observe without making judgements. Learning how to do this more in their everyday life helps a young person to focus on difficult thoughts and feelings, rather than avoiding them, so that the fear of them gradually lessons. This can also include meditation, yoga and breathing exercises.
Contact Me
Email: jenny@jennyjonescounselling.co.uk
Telephone: 07900843447
