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Counselling
for
Children andYoung People
in Edinburgh
How Can Counselling Help Young People?
Counselling gives a young person the opportunity to talk about what’s going on for them and how they feel without the fear of judgement. Speaking to a professional therapist, in a safe environment away from their home and school life can take some of the pressure away. Here at The Edinburgh Counselling Service, we provide a warm, safe and accepting space for them to express their feelings and understand what may have caused them to feel this way.
We use practice-led and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to inform our approach with younger people.
There are a number of methods that we may use to encourage a child or young person to explore their emotions, such as through play or reading stories and talking about the feelings of a specific character. This can help them to understand emotions and encourage them to discuss their own feelings. We may also utilise creative ways of exploring themes such as self-esteem and self-image, for example drawing or scrapbooking what makes me ‘me’, or using emotion thermometers to gauge our emotions.
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Older children may prefer talking or a mixture of both talking and creative activities. This is down to the individual and we will discuss the situation together with them to learn what method will be most beneficial.
An evidence-based approach
Expertise
Alongside their extensive qualifications as therapists, our practitioners bring a wealth of experience offering counselling and support in Edinburgh — working with children and young people in schools in Edinburgh as well as in individual therapy sessions.
We understand that, as a parent or caregiver, reaching out for support can feel daunting. It’s completely natural to worry about what counselling might mean for your child. Seeking counselling for your child is a positive and caring step. It shows that you’re prioritising their emotional wellbeing and taking active steps to help them feel supported and understood. Our children and young people's therapists in Edinburgh provide a safe, nurturing space where children and young people can express themselves, build confidence, and develop healthy ways to cope with challenges.
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Anxiety
Bereavement/Loss
Bullying
Everyday Worries and Relationship Issues
Grief
Low Mood and Depression
Areas of Specialism
Signs your Child may Benefit from Counselling
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Avoidant behaviours, e.g. excuses not to go to school or attend family gatherings
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Difficulty adjusting to social situations
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Expressing thoughts of suicide
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Experienced a recent trauma or significant event that impacts their lives, like loss or parental separation
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Frequent nightmare and sleep difficulties
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Increased physical complaints
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Loss of appetite and dramatic weight loss or gain
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Performing obsessive routines like hand washing
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Persistent worry and anxiety
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Self-harm
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Social isolation and wanting to be alone
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Sudden changes in behaviour or a fall in grades at school
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Unwarranted aggression
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Withdrawing from activities they normally enjoy
The counselling process begins with an initial consultation to get to know the child or young person and to explore whether counselling feels like the right kind of support. During this appointment, our counsellors talk through a counselling agreement with the child or young person and, where appropriate, their parents or caregivers. This helps everyone understand how counselling at The Edinburgh Counselling Service works, what confidentiality means, and the boundaries that facilitate the therapeutic process.
Each session provides a calm, confidential space where the child or young person can talk freely and work towards goals that feel meaningful to them. While parents and caregivers aren’t usually present in sessions, they may be invited to take part in reviews and support their child’s progress. Counselling can be short- or longer-term, depending on individual needs, and endings are approached thoughtfully, helping the child or young person reflect on what they’ve gained and how they can continue to build on it.
It is important that we provide a confidential space for young people, and that parents or caregivers understand we cannot disclose what we discuss in the counselling room. The exception to this is if the counsellor is concerned the child or young person is at risk of harming themselves or another, or if a child protection issue is raised. Children/ young people are of course very welcome to discuss their counselling sessions with their parents or caregivers.
How Does It Work?
Get in Touch Now
​​If you feel something is amiss, or there is something is making you or your child unhappy, however small you or they feel it is please know support is available. Please note under sixteens will require parental consent before beginning counselling.
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