Information for parents.

I welcome clients from age 12 and up, which means that sometimes the first person to reach out to me isn’t the client themselves, but their parent or guardian. If you're considering therapy for your child, I hope the information below will help you understand a little more about how I work, and what to expect.

Therapy is most helpful when it’s entered into willingly. It’s completely normal for a young person to feel unsure or hesitant at first - talking to someone new in a new setting can feel daunting. A little gentle encouragement from you in the beginning is absolutely okay, and once your child has met me and got a sense of the space, they’ll hopefully begin to feel more at ease. They may even discover that therapy can be fun! But if your child ever expresses that they no longer wish to attend, I will always respect that. I never want counselling to feel like something that’s forced or overwhelming.

My approach is client-led, which means I allow the young person to guide what we talk about based on what feels most important to them. You may have hopes for what your child will get from therapy, and often that insight can be helpful. But if those themes don’t come from your child themselves, it wouldn’t be right - or therapeutic - for me to impose them. I know these wishes often come from a place of genuine care and concern, and I welcome open communication. At the heart of my approach, though, is creating a space where young people feel free to be their true selves, without pressure or expectation. Building this kind of trust and autonomy is a big part of the work we do together.

I also understand that you’re a vital part of your child’s support system, and I’m always happy to involve parents and carers in helpful, appropriate ways. This might include sharing practical strategies or coping tools that can support your child outside of sessions. Most of the therapeutic work, however, happens within the boundaries of confidentiality. This means that unless there is a safeguarding concern, I won’t be sharing session content or offering reports.

I hope this gives a clearer picture of what to expect. If you have any questions or just want to talk things through, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

FAQs

  • Yes, I offer outdoor counselling for all clients aged 12 and up. My approach is always shaped around what each individual needs, and with younger clients, I’m especially mindful of comfort, pace, and helping them feel at ease.

    For many, being outdoors feels more natural and less intimidating than a traditional therapy room. We might walk, sit, or just take in what’s around us. Grounding exercises and reflective work can feel especially helpful in nature, with the added wellbeing benefits of being outside.

    I know it can feel like a big step to trust someone else to support your child, especially in a setting that’s a bit different. You’re always welcome to share any questions or concerns. If it helps, we can always start with indoor sessions and move to outdoors when the time feels right.

  • It’s completely normal for children (and adults!) to feel a bit nervous before starting counselling. You can let your child know they don’t need to come with anything prepared — it’s simply a safe, supportive space where they can be themselves and talk (or not talk) at their own pace.

    You might say something like, “It’s a chance to talk to someone kind and understanding, and you get to decide what, or how much, you want to share.”

    I’ll send you some practical information before the first session too, so you and your child know what to expect. If your child would like you to join them for part or all of that first session, I completely welcome that.

  • Your child is welcome to have you join them for part or all of the first session if they’d like. This can help them feel more at ease and give you both a chance to ask any questions. After that, sessions are one-to-one to help build a trusting and private space just for them. This approach encourages independence and honesty, while still keeping you informed and involved where appropriate.

  • Outdoor sessions take place along quiet, familiar woodland paths that are chosen with care to support both safety and privacy. I carry a phone and first aid kit at all times, and your child’s wellbeing is always my priority.

    Because the setting is more open than a traditional therapy room, it’s important to think about whether this feels like the right environment for your child. For example, if there’s any concern that they might feel overwhelmed, become dysregulated, or want to run off, please do let me know. As their parent or guardian, you’re in the best position to assess whether outdoor therapy is a good fit at this time, and I’m happy to talk this through with you.

    If you’re unsure, it’s absolutely ok to begin with indoor sessions to help build confidence and see how things go. We can always revisit the idea of moving outdoors when the time feels right, or stick with indoor sessions if that feels most suitable.

  • Every child is different. Some benefit from just a few sessions, while others may need longer-term support. We’ll review things regularly together to make sure it’s working well.

  • I’m a qualified counsellor with specialist training in working with children and young people. I’m fully insured, BACP-registered, and have an enhanced DBS check.

    Alongside my private practice, I also work for a respected charity, providing counselling for children and teenagers. This gives me ongoing experience of the kinds of challenges young people often face, and helps keep my approach grounded and relevant.

    Above all, I aim to offer a warm, understanding space where your child feels safe, seen, and supported.

  • If you have any questions or concerns, you’re very welcome to get in touch; I’ll do my best to help wherever I can.