Child Related Issues

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Sometimes children and young people (and their families) may need extra support if they are finding it difficult to deal with or understand their emotions and/or behaviour. Schools often provide professionals to help young people and their families, such as learning or behaviour mentors, family liaison officers or professionals from external services. However some children and young people, or their families, may decide to seek further help in the form of counselling.

Counselling for children and young people may differ from counselling for adults, and will depend on the child’s age, specific difficulties and their development. Different methods may be used to encourage young children to be able to express their difficulties, such as play and art. For example, reading stories and talking about feelings of a character in that story may help the child to discuss their own feelings, or drawing/painting/drama may help children to express themselves. These methods all give the counsellor a great insight into the unconscious mind of the child.

Older children may prefer talking therapy, or a mixture of both, and the counselling approach will depend on a particular individual. Although different methods may be used for counselling children, the aim of counselling for both children and adults is ultimately the same; to help the individual cope better with their emotions and feelings.

Counselling children and young people involves helping the child to develop a positive attitude to life, recognise their strengths and express themselves. It does not involve making decisions for the child, imposing beliefs on them or preaching. Counselling may be provided to children and young people on their own, or it may be provided to a child as part of a family (family counselling).

Child related issues may include:

Family and step-family relationships

Bullying

Bereavement/loss

Emotional problems

Behavioural problems

Literacy and numeracy problems

Further help and support:

Childline

NSPCC

Kidscape

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This content is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice given by any professional.