Supporting children, young people & adults
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Protea Wellbeing

Children and Young People’s Counselling

Supporting Children, Young People and Their Families

Children and young people can experience a wide range of emotional, behavioural and social difficulties throughout their development. While many challenges are a normal part of growing up, there are times when additional support can make a significant difference.

At Protea Wellbeing, we recognise that seeking help for a child or young person can feel overwhelming. Parents and carers may be unsure whether counselling is needed, how the process works, or what to expect from therapy. Our aim is to make this process as supportive, transparent and straightforward as possible.

We provide specialist counselling for children and young people through practitioners who have undertaken additional training and have experience working therapeutically with this age group.

Why Might a Child or Young Person Benefit from Counselling?

Children and adolescents may benefit from counselling for a variety of reasons, including:

Anxiety and excessive worry.
Low mood or symptoms of depression.
Difficulties managing emotions.
Friendship difficulties.
Bullying experiences.
Bereavement and loss.
Family changes, including separation or divorce.
School-related stress.
Behavioural concerns.
Low self-esteem and confidence.
Neurodiversity-related emotional challenges.
Difficult life transitions.
Trauma and adverse experiences.

Seeking support early can help children and young people develop emotional resilience, healthier coping strategies and a stronger understanding of themselves and their experiences.

How Is Counselling for Children Different?

Counselling children and young people differs significantly from counselling adults. While adults often communicate their experiences primarily through verbal reflection, children frequently express themselves through play, creativity and symbolic forms of communication.

Play provides children with an opportunity to explore feelings, relationships and experiences in ways that are developmentally appropriate and emotionally safe. As described by the British Association of Play Therapists:

“Play Therapy is the dynamic process between child and play therapist in which the child explores at his or her own pace and with his or her own agenda those issues, past and current, conscious and unconscious, that are affecting the child’s life in the present.”

British Association of Play Therapists

Our practitioners work sensitively and collaboratively, allowing the therapeutic process to unfold at a pace that feels manageable for the child or young person.

A Safe Space to Explore and Grow

Play, creativity and open conversation allow children and young people to process their experiences in a way that feels natural and safe. Our practitioners create a warm, welcoming space where every child can be heard.

The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship

One of the most important aspects of counselling is the development of trust. Children and young people need to experience therapy as a safe and accepting environment where they can explore thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.

Building this relationship takes time and should not be rushed. Protecting the therapeutic space supports emotional safety and allows meaningful therapeutic work to occur.

Confidentiality and Working with Parents and Carers

Parents and carers understandably wish to know what happens within counselling sessions. Whilst parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children, confidentiality remains an important aspect of therapeutic work. Children and young people are entitled to a confidential space in which to explore their experiences. This means that detailed information about session content will not routinely be shared with parents or carers.

However, therapists will maintain appropriate communication regarding progress through review meetings where appropriate. The limits of confidentiality, particularly regarding safeguarding concerns, will always be explained clearly at the outset.

Can Parents Attend Sessions?

Parents and carers often ask whether they can remain present during counselling sessions. In most circumstances, individual counselling works best when children and young people have the opportunity to engage independently with their therapist. The presence of a parent or carer may unintentionally inhibit a child’s ability to express thoughts and feelings openly.

If families wish to participate actively in therapeutic work together, family-based interventions may be discussed where appropriate.

Referring a Child or Young Person

Seeking support for a child or young person can feel like a significant decision. Our specialist practitioners are committed to making the process as supportive and straightforward as possible.

What Happens Next?

  1. Complete the Children and Young People's Referral Form.
  2. We review the information provided.
  3. We contact you to discuss the child or young person's needs.
  4. An assessment appointment is arranged.
  5. Counselling begins with an appropriately qualified practitioner.

Begin the Referral Process

Refer a Child or Young Person