Counselling Children and Young People

Childhood can be difficult for some children and young people and whilst families and friends are often able to support them through this time, sometimes it is appropriate to access professional help. I have worked as a Counsellor at the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).  I have also worked in Educational Settings including Infant, Junior and Secondary Schools, and Colleges of Further Education. Depending on the age of the child, to meet their individual needs I work creatively, through play, art, storytelling and the use of metaphors. It is important to let them explore their social and emotional skills, to reinforce self-esteem and confidence, and celebrate their positive qualities.

Where Counselling Can Help

• Children and young people may suffer bereavement. This may involve the loss of a close family member, school friend or much loved family pet. In these circumstances, you may wish to benefit from professional support.
• Some individuals endure bullying or abuse, experience difficult relationships and may become socially isolated.  This can create low self-esteem, a lack of confidence, anxiety or depression. These feelings may even escalate into such as an eating disorder or self-harm. 
• Some children experience nightmares, night terrors, sleepwalking and other problems associated with the lack of good quality sleep.
• It is not uncommon for children to experience dental phobias, or fears of medical procedures, even blood tests.
• Sadly, some children and young people undergo periods of acute or chronic ill health such as Infantile Arthritis, Cystic Fibrosis, Heart and Lung Problems, Diabetes and Cancer. All of which can be stressful for the child and the whole of your family.
• In an educational context, some individuals may struggle with concentration, recalling facts and figures for examinations, creating anxiety symptoms and even panic attacks.

Hypnotherapy for Children 

Hypnotherapy may be appropriate for some children and young people, particularly in cases of fears or abuse, lack of self-confidence, bed wetting and difficulties concentrating.  As a fully trained and experienced Hypnotherapist, I would guide your child into a safe and pleasant state of relaxation, similar to when they are just falling asleep or just waking up.  They would be able to hear all the sounds around them but feel so peaceful and safe that they just wouldn’t want to pull themselves round into a fully waking state. 

I would work upon releasing stress from their mind and tension from their body, helping them remove the reasons for their difficulties which may have become ‘stuck’ in their subconscious mind.  I would offer positive ideas, often in the form of story or metaphor.  Where appropriate, I would offer reassurance regarding their ability to sleep peacefully, dream pleasantly, and on waking, I would encourage feelings of confidence and competence.

Venue and Prices

I am based in Darfield, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S73 9HQ. You can text or 'phone me on 07882 177932 or email me at enquiries@janetgibsontherapies.co.uk if you prefer. 

My prices are affordable at £50 per hour so you can access the help you need. On request, for a limited number of clients, I may be able to offer a temporary reduction for up to six sessions.

Length of Therapy

• Counselling up to 10 sessions, each lasting 1 hour.
• Long-term Psychotherapy over a number of months.
• One-off appointments, as a “safety net” at the ending of our time together.
• It is not uncommon for me to work with a child or young person for a period of weeks or months, for them to cease therapy and then return for further work months or even years later, as their circumstances change

Confidentiality

All sessions are Confidential between the young person and myself, provided I am satisfied that they are capable of making informed and valid decisions.

• I might speak with you, as their parent or guardian, in consultation with the young person.
• If I believe the young person is at risk of injuring themselves or someone else, with discussion I may enlist the help of their General Practitioner (GP) who may offer further care.
• If the young person disclosed a current Child Protection issue, again with discussion I may be required to enlist the help of the Children’s Social Services Team.
• If the young person was to tell me of a vulnerable adult who is being abused, I may need to enlist the help of the Adult Protection Team.