There are different ways therapy can happen than just talking; From painting, to photography, writing and so on. If it's helpful for you, we can explore some of these in sessions. But remember you never have to do anything you don't want to! It must always be your choice, you are in charge on your self, I'm there to support you not tell you what to do.

Counselling for Young People

What is counselling & therapy?

When we struggle with our mental health, then therapy (also known as counselling) can help. There are lots of kinds of therapy but what is most important is finding a therapist you click with... There's no way you'll trust someone with your private thoughts if you don't like them. And with me, there's no need to put on a face for therapy.

People wear lots of faces to help them interact with people, like the posh telephone voice people suddenly do when talking with a Doctor, a boss, headteacher or the bank for example. Sometimes we put faces on because we think it might help them feel better. Like when someone says "I don't want people to see me cry, I need to stay strong for them". Thing is, if you don't know how to cope with all the emotions and feelings that you're experiencing, there's only so much you can hold onto before things burst out. That's what therapy can help with. It's not instantaneous but it will give you a way to help yourself when other stuff comes up in life.

What's happening with me?

A few emotions you might recognise

Feeling Overwhelmed

There's so many changes going on, people coming and going and deadlines to meet. It all feels a bit much and I don't know how to cope. Sometimes I just want it to stop.

Feeling Stuck

Other friends and family seem like they know what they want out of life and I just don't. I don't know what I want, or which way to turn.

Feeling Worried & Anxious

I'm not sure why but I feel worried a lot, about things around me, my family, the future and the way the planet is going.

Feeling like you're not good enough

Sometimes I feel that I'm different and somehow not good enough, like I don't fit.

Feeling like no one cares

Sometimes it feels like no one really listens to me or cares enough to notice. It can feel really lonely sometimes.

Will you talk with my parents?

The short answer: no, not unless you want me to.

The longer answer: the same degree of confidentiality is given to young people as to adults.

That also includes the same limitations given to adults too. You can read about this is the FAQs.

In our first session I'll give you an agreement sheet that explains everything you need to know.

"Sue helped me tremendously during a very stressful GCSE period, Post-Covid. I was really struggling with my anxiety and overall mental well-being as a result. Being brutally honest, the thought of having some counselling did make me very nervous at the start. However, I ended up looking forward to our sessions every week and can not thank Sue enough for all her help.
For anyone young person who is in a similar situation to myself ... I would 100% recommend Sue!
As much as it can seem nerve wracking to talk about these things, Sue is excellent at what she does and the benefits of doing so is incredible."

Name and photograph withheld, 18