Children's Counselling
Often children do not have the words. My role as counsellor is to enter into a dynamic, child-centred relationship that enables the child to express, explore and make sense of their difficult and painful experiences. I endeavour to create a safe and nurturing environment that supports the child's healing process. I do this by offering a non-judgemental relationship based on trust, confidentiality, honesty, consistency and freedom of expression. This therapeutic environment can, in itself, help children begin to find healthier ways of communicating, increase their feelings of self worth and help them become more conscious of who they are.
Difficulties that can be helped include depression, anxiety, aggression, learning difficulties and hyperactivity, and difficult life experiences including abuse, grief, family breakdown, domestic violence and trauma.
Counselling Process
Through play children can show what they think, feel and how they experience and understand the world in which they live. I provide a variety of carefully chosen play and expressive materials including; appropriate story books, puppets and masks, painting and drawing materials, sand, playdough, games and other relevant toys. Through these various materials and mediums I can help children bring into the open the behaviours and blocked feelings that may interfere with their healthy development and emotional growth. Insight they gain can help them to cope with difficulties they face in life. Inner strengths can be discovered that can help children deal with past experiences and cope with present life situations in more beneficial ways, thus helping provide a more positive view of their future life.
How I Work
Counselling sessions are adapted to the needs of the child. I take a non-directive approach where the child decides what to do in a session, within safe boundaries. I don't try and work out 'why' or 'how' the child is playing in any particular way, I just accept that he or she is working though things in his or her own way. I endeavour to let the child experience himself or herself not as a 'problem', but as a person.
Contact Details
If you require further information on how I work with children or would like to make an appointment, please contact me by telephone on 01997 421977 or by email at enquiry@fionalesliecounselling.co.uk.
Other Counselling Services
I also offer:
Copyright
© Fiona Leslie Counselling 2007
