Counselling is a talking therapy. A trained professional will listen to you and help you understand, process, and cope with your feelings.
We provide services for young people aged 4–25 years, along with their parents or carers.
We follow the ethical guidelines of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and are an organisational member.
We support clients with a variety of issues, including:
Bereavement/Loss:
When someone we care about dies or leaves, it hurts. We may feel angry, confused, or rejected. Talking about our feelings helps us deal with the pain and come to terms with the loss.
Domestic Abuse:
This occurs when family members are abusive towards one another. It can leave us feeling helpless. Abuse can be verbal, physical, sexual, or financial. Seeking help is important for building positive future relationships. We often hesitate to share this with friends or family, fearing we might betray our loved ones. Talking about domestic abuse helps us process our anger and hurt.
Family Issues:
Families face many challenges, like death, financial problems, or substance abuse. These issues can cause distress. We may feel we cannot talk to teachers or friends because they might not understand. Getting help is important for our happiness.
Substance Misuse:
Substance use, whether illegal drugs, prescribed medications, or alcohol, can affect behaviour and hurt us. This unpredictability can make us feel scared or confused. We might even turn to substances ourselves to cope. Talking to a counsellor can help us understand these feelings and find ways to cope.
Gambling:
If you or a family member are gambling, it can lead to financial problems. Money spent on gambling could be used for essential family needs. Many gamble to cope with feelings, seeking the thrill of the game. Losing money can leave you feeling helpless. Discussing this with a counsellor can help change behaviours or manage the situation.
Victim of Abuse:
Abuse can be physical, emotional, or sexual. These serious forms of harm can be hard to talk about due to shame or fear. It’s okay to discuss abuse and seek help to feel safer and happier.
Anger Management:
Anger often stems from feeling hurt or upset. It can be linked to anxiety, which many live with unknowingly. Seeking help to manage anger is important, as it can affect your self-esteem and confidence.
Divorce:
Divorce or separation can cause feelings of hurt, anger, and loneliness. These emotions can resemble those felt when someone dies. We may feel abandoned, especially if a parent leaves. Talking about these feelings can help us process this painful experience.
Self-Harm:
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) defines self-harm as an expression of personal distress, often done in private. This broad term includes acts that cause harm, such as cutting or burning. More information is available at the National Self-Harm Network (www.nshn.co.uk).
Anxiety/Depression/Stress:
These conditions can involve worry, low mood, sleep issues, and feelings of helplessness.
Support Groups:
We offer support groups for bereavement and loss, when numbers allow, to help young people process grief with their peers.
We’re here to help!
