Counselling Issues
Counselling for Young Children
Creative therapy supports children who are finding life difficult and who don’t yet have the language skills to put things into words.
In formal counselling, the pressure of talking can make children feel overwhelmed or ‘put on the spot’. But the world of play is smaller and less frightening. It’s also fun. Through games with puppets, painting or sand, children can express underlying stress or trauma naturally and easily. In a safe way and at their own pace, they can come to terms with how they feel and the world about them.
Warning signs in children.
It’s important to notice your child’s behaviour. How they act gives clues to how they feel. If you suspect your child is finding it difficult to cope, look out for the warning signs. Perhaps your child:
• Complains frequently about physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.
• Displays worrying changes in their eating or sleeping habits.
• Is having frequent temper tantrums or behaving in a hostile way.
• Is having problems making or keeping friends.
• Is unable to concentrate or to play.
• Isn’t listening to you.
• Seems withdrawn or sad.
Causes of emotional disturbance in children.
Children are often disturbed by changes in their world – changes such as the arrival of a new brother or sister, divorce, moving house or death in the family. Plus there are issues outside the home, such as going to a new school, bullying, the lack of friends or having no friends at all.
Adults can deal with such things. We’ve learned coping strategies and come through similar problems many times before. But for a child it’s usually the first time. They don’t have adult defenses and so things affect them more. It’s also hard for a child to express what’s going on inside. They may not know exactly how they feel. Even if they do, their language skills and vocabulary are still rudimentary.
Creative therapy for children.
Seeing signs of disturbance in your child is alarming. You feel guilty, or inadequate and powerless. It’s important to realise is that you aren’t alone. As a creative therapist, I am experienced at helping children like yours deal with how they feel via their natural form of expression – play. The many benefits of creative therapy include:
• Coming to come to terms with new family dynamics.
• Coping better with fears for the future.
• Expressing the root causes of unhappiness.
• Managing difficult feelings and letting go of them safely.
How long does creative therapy take?
Many children respond to short term creative therapy, which would be between 6 and 12 sessions. However, if problems have existed for a long time or if they are complex, your child might need to see a creative therapist for considerably longer.
Do I attend creative therapy sessions with my child?
We have an initial free consultation, either on the phone or face to face, usually without your child present. At this, we talk through your concerns. We discuss your recent family history and the stresses which you and your child have been through.
Then we arrange for an initial creative therapy session, to which you bring your child. You stay in the session until your child feels comfortable for you to leave, and then the rest of the session and future sessions, take place with just your child and myself in the room.
The outcomes of creative therapy.
Over time your child will become better adjusted to life. From being angry, nervous or withdrawn they become happier, more confident and at peace with their environment.
In addition, you will feel better, professionally supported and knowing you are doing something valuable to help your child.
What is your experience as a creative therapist?
I am a trained and qualified counsellor, a member of BACP (link) and I see a supervisor regularly who ensures my work is of the highest standard. I work in a school as well as privately with children. I am also a mother of two. I know for myself the challenges and pressures of bringing up children, as well as many of the difficulties that families face at school, at home and in the neighbourhood.
What should I do now?
To find out more about creative therapy or counselling for children, have a look at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website. These sites may also help you with your concerns.
Then, when you are ready, please send me a message at: elena@counsellinginmanchester.org.uk Or you can drop me a line using the contact form on this site.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Counselling for Teenagers
The teenage years are notoriously difficult for both parents and children. Young people are going through a period of intense psychological and physical change, as well as facing pressures at school or with friends. Sometimes it’s all too much. They feel bewildered and confused – hence the term ‘troubled teenagers’.
There may also be many other problems. For example bullying, drugs, a break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, and divorce or even death in the family.
Some teenagers also find it hard to come to terms with the world they live in. War, famine, tragic events in your community, or realising the inevitability of death, may affect them deeply.
Is it just a phase?
Perhaps you are unsure if it’s a phase, or something more serious. Some signs of a troubled teenager are:
• Being withdrawn, silent or sullen.
• Extreme mood swings.
• Harming or threatening to harm others or themselves.
• Loss of appetite. Changes in patterns of sleeping or eating.
• Lying or stealing.
• Problems at school
• Problems with of drugs or alcohol.
• Sexual promiscuity or risky sexual activity.
Why a counsellor can help.
You may want to talk to your child. But some teenagers react angrily to questions, or even completely ignore you. You may feel overwhelmed and confused about what’s best. That’s when a counsellor who works specifically with ‘troubled teenagers’ can bring the outside voice that’s needed.
The effects of counselling.
A counsellor for troubled teenagers helps them express what they feel and sort out the root causes of their distress.
Through counselling a teenager can:
• Deal with painful feelings or distress.
• Feel more at peace with the world about them.
• Feel more balanced and in control of themselves.
• Find better ways to solve problems
• Improve social skills.
• Notice and shift negative thought patterns and beliefs.
What should I do now?
When you are ready, suggest the idea of counselling to your teenager. They may be pleased at the idea of impartial support outside the family.
Contact me. To arrange an initial session, please send me an email at: elena@counsellinginmanchester.org.uk Or you can use the CONTACT FORM on this site.
I look forward to hearing from you!
