Counselling for Children and Young People
A Space for Them to be and Explore Themselves
A Trusted, non judgmental Space
Sometimes children and young people need space with someone outside their family and school - someone who listens without judgment and lets them be exactly who they are.
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Counselling doesn't always look like talking. For younger children, it's creative and play-based - art, sand play, building, storytelling. For teens, it might be throwing a ball, using music to express feelings, or just being quiet together. The point is the connection and having space to process whatever's going on.
What Children and Teens Often Bring
Anxiety & Worry
Big feelings about school, friendships, or the world
Emotional Regulation
When emotions feel too big
to manage
Life Changes
Moving house or schools, family separation, new baby
Bereavement
When someone dies or processing loss
Friendship Issues
Feeling left out or struggling to connect
Low Mood
Feeling sad or like nothing is enjoyable
Self-Esteem
Feeling not good enough or struggling with confidence
Neurodivergence
Understanding themselves and navigating differences
Chronic Illness
Living with medical conditions
Family Challenges
Difficult things at home or feeling invisible
Identity & Sexuality
Understanding who you are, coming out, or gender identity
Social Media & Digital Life
Online pressure, comparison or within the digital world
Counselling with Zara
BACP Registered Counsellor and Doctoral Candidate
Zara is a therapist and final year doctoral candidate in counselling psychology. She previously coordinated a bereavement service for children and has extensive experience supporting young people facing complex challenges.
Zara believes that children and young people thrive when they feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. Her approach is grounded in Person-Centred and Experiential therapy - the relationship is what matters most, not rigid techniques. She works in a way that's relatable and down to earth, meeting young people where they are.
Zara often works with emotions in the moment - through play, creativity, or just being together - helping children process feelings in ways that feel natural to them. Depending on what's helpful, she brings in other approaches:
• Narrative Therapy - helping young people make sense of their experiences and stories
• ACT and CFT - building self-compassion and emotional skills
• CBT elements - practical strategies when they're useful
Therapy is tailored to each child or young person. Zara believes therapeutic relationships can happen anywhere - sitting together, throwing a ball, building Lego, using art, or walking side by side. The connection matters more than the setting.
How It Works
Children (Under 12): Therapy is often creative and play-based. Children process feelings through play rather than talking directly. Face-to-face works best for this age, though online can work for some 10+.
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Teens (12+): Might be traditional talking or using art, music, creative expression. Some prefer walking and talking or having something to do with their hands. Online typically works well.
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Confidentiality: What's shared in sessions is confidential, helping them feel safe to be honest. If there are safeguarding concerns (risk of harm), parents would be informed.
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Parent Involvement: For younger children, brief check-ins at start/end of sessions. For teens, sessions are usually private with occasional reviews involving parents (with the young person's agreement). This is always discussed and agreed at the start.