Counselling for Children
The value of counselling for children is beginning to be more widely appreciated as we understand more fully how difficulties which are not addressed during childhood/adolescence can not only mar a child’s experience of life at the time, but can also lead to serious difficulties in adulthood.
Counselling and play therapy can help children who are experiencing, or who have experienced, any of the following:
• Difficulties resulting from traumatic events such as
~ an accident
~ a bereavement
~ parental separation/divorce
~ physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• Sadness and depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Behaviour problems e.g. tantrums, aggressiveness
• Emotional problems associated with physical illness
• Sleep problems
• Soiling or wetting
• Eating difficulties and eating disorders
• Bullying
• School refusal
• Family problems
• Drug/Solvent/Alcohol abuse
• Self harming behaviour
• Attachment difficulties
In my work with children and teenagers, I use an approach that combines play therapy and child-centred counselling. A young person is encouraged to express themselves through gentle, non-threatening activity such as painting, drama, and imaginative play. I use a wide range of ‘props’ to assist exploration and expression of feelings through creative, sensory activities – clay, paints, playdough, buttons, dolls, puppets, games, books, musical instruments and so on. I also use music, relaxation techniques and creative visualisation to help children express themselves. I always like to carry out a full assessment before working with a child.
In 2007 I introduced animal assisted therapy to my practice (read more…)
Play Therapy for Children
The British Association of Play Therapists (BAPT) defines play therapy as “a mode of therapy that helps children explore their feelings to express themselves and to make sense of their life experiences. Play is children’s natural medium to learn, communicate and to explore their worlds. Recovery from difficult life experiences can be facilitated by a Play Therapist allowing a child freedom of expression in a safe a trusting environment.”
Through observing and joining in with (by invitation) a child’s play, a play therapist builds a relationship with a child and helps them to make sense of their experiences and express difficult feelings safely through the metaphors of play.
Testimonials:
“Last year we had problems in the family which were difficult for all of us, but particularly for the children. We sought the help of Frances and her guidance and sensitivity has enabled the children to find their way through a very emotional and testing time.
The children feel very comfortable with Frances and are able to express themselves freely without fear of upsetting anyone. The fact that the visit takes place within a home setting and in a comfy, gentle room rather than in an impersonal office, makes a tangible difference to the children's confidence and trust in Frances. This has meant that they are open to be helped effectively and relatively quickly.
We were in a black place and Frances has helped all of us move on. Obviously, things are still not ideal but an occasional visit to Frances seems to set us back on track and put things back in proportion. I shall be eternally grateful for all that Frances has done for our family.” (Grandmother of children aged 7 and 9, dealing with family breakup)
'Frances has worked with my 12 year old son for a number of months on issues such as school bullying, lack of confidence and low self esteem. Offering brilliant support, advice and guidance he has learned to cope and deal with the various difficulties he finds himself in and ultimately has become a much calmer individual.
He often struggles adapting to new situations but they very quickly established a very good relationship and he felt at ease in the comfortable surroundings of her home.
I would highly recommend Frances to anyone whose children may need any help in coping with what is now a very difficult world for them to grow up in'
