A SAFE SPACE TO FEEL HEARD

Teen anxiety counselling is one part of my work with children and young people, alongside support for pre-teens and younger children experiencing a wide range of emotional difficulties and life challenges.

Children and young people do not always have the words to explain how they are feeling, but that does not mean they are not struggling. Sometimes they simply need a safe, accepting space where they can talk, explore their thoughts or express themselves without fear of judgement.

Every young person is different. I use a collaborative, pluralistic approach, adapting sessions to their age, personality, interests and individual needs. Together, we can find ways of working that feel right for them, helping them understand themselves, manage difficult emotions and develop confidence in their own strengths

SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH LIFE'S CHALLENGES

Every child is unique, and so are the challenges they face. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, confidence, friendships or a major life change, therapy can provide a safe space to understand what’s happening and develop healthier ways of coping.

Brain icon representing anxiety and worry in child counselling

Anxiety & Worry

Helping children understand anxiety, manage overwhelming thoughts and build confidence in coping with difficult feelings.

Heart icon representing confidence and self-esteem in child counselling

Confidence & Self-Esteem

Building confidence, self-worth and resilience so young people can believe in themselves and their abilities.

Book icon representing school and exam stress in child counselling

School & Exam Stress

Support with school pressures, exam stress and attendance worries while feeling less overwhelmed by expectations

Relationship counselling support for couples, families and personal relationships

Friendships & Relationships

Navigating friendships, conflict, bullying and relationships while developing healthy communication skills.

Cloud icon representing low mood and emotional wellbeing in child counselling

Low Mood & Difficult Emotions

Exploring difficult feelings, understanding emotions and finding healthier ways to cope.

Counselling support for life changes and uncertainty

Family Changes & Life Events

Helping children adjust to family changes, loss and separation alongside other significant life events.

HOW CHILD & YOUNG PERSON COUNSELLING WORKS

A collaborative approach, tailored to every child.

Every child is unique, so therapy is tailored to their age, personality, interests and individual needs. Rather than following a set programme, we’ll work together at a pace that feels right for them.

1

Getting to Know Your Child

The first sessions focus on helping your child feel comfortable, building trust and understanding what has brought them to counselling. We’ll also begin exploring their strengths, needs and what they would like support with.

2

Working in Their Way

Some children prefer talking, while others find it easier to express themselves through creative activities, therapeutic games, worksheets or practical resources. Together, we’ll discover what feels most comfortable and useful for them.

3

Building Confidence and Coping Skills

As therapy progresses, we can explore difficult emotions, understand patterns and develop coping strategies that suit your child. The work remains collaborative and moves at a pace that feels manageable.

4

Reviewing Progress and Moving Forward

When the time feels right, we’ll reflect on what has changed, recognise the progress your child has made and consider how they can continue using their new understanding and skills beyond counselling.

Empowering Minds therapy room for child and young person counselling

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST SESSION

The first session is about helping your child feel comfortable and beginning to build trust. There is no pressure to talk about difficult experiences straight away.

✓ Your child can take things at their own pace.

✓ A parent or carer can stay for part or all of the first session if needed.

✓ Talking isn’t the only way to communicate. Activities and creative resources can be used too.

✓ We’ll work together to find what helps your child feel most comfortable.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD TOGETHER

Starting counselling is a big step. My aim is to help both you and your child feel comfortable while creating a safe, supportive space where trust can grow.

✓ You can stay for part or all of the first session if needed.

✓ Confidentiality will always be explained clearly.

✓ I’ll answer any questions you have throughout the process.

✓ If I ever have concerns about safety, I’ll always follow my safeguarding responsibilities.

 

Louiza Leneghan, psychotherapeutic counsellor, seated in the Empowering Minds therapy room

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE EMPOWERING MINDS

Every family wants their child to feel safe, understood and supported. My aim is to create a therapeutic relationship where children feel comfortable being themselves while developing the understanding and skills to navigate life’s challenges.

Ear icon representing children feeling listened to in counselling

They are listened to

Every child deserves to feel heard. I take time to understand their world without judgement, pressure or expectations.

Leaf icon representing children feeling able to be themselves and grow at their own pace

They can be themselves

There is no right or wrong way to communicate. Whether your child prefers talking, creative activities or simply taking their time, sessions are adapted to suit them.

Lightbulb icon representing greater self understanding in child counselling

They begin to understand themselves

Together we’ll explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a way that makes sense to your child, helping them understand what they’re experiencing and why.

They leave with more than they arrived with

Children leave with practical coping strategies, greater self-awareness and more confidence to face future challenges without carrying everything on their own.

TAKING THE FIRST STEP

Not sure whether counselling is the right step?

A free online consultation gives us the opportunity to talk about what’s been happening, answer your questions and decide together whether I’m the right fit for your child.

Book a Free Consultation

Not quite ready?

You’re welcome to get in touch if you have any questions before booking.