What is counselling?

Counselling is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on addressing the unique needs of children. Counsellors don’t “fix” children; neither do they make problems disappear. Counsellors assist children and families to reflect upon their own motivations and behaviors.

This enables children to cope with life’s challenges or help them to express uneasy feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, or frustration.  This form of intervention is age related and allow the child to express themselves in ways that they feel the most comfortable. Counselling helps children to grow emotionally.

When to consider counselling for your child?

Parents sometimes become aware of their children experiencing behavioural changes both inside and outside the family environment. These behavioural changes may become difficult to control especially if the child is overly aggressive or experience excessive sadness or tend to show signs of self-harm. Other changes that parent`s observe maybe in their children’s eating or sleeping patterns. This could influence their children’s personal preferences or lead to developmental delays. Children become withdrawn or express themselves through externalizing behaviour.

Parents should reach out for support through counselling when the behaviour continues for more than 14 days. Furthermore, it is important to consider counselling when the communication between the parent and the child has broken down and when the parent experience a breakdown in the relationship with the child. Other factors that maybe enhance the possibility for counselling is when the parents may experience divorce, or the family have experienced the death of a loved one or the child has been exposed to a traumatic event. 

How does counselling work?

Therapy is a process that is unique to each client and the challenges they are presenting.  Initially the counsellor will meet with the parents and child to gain enough information about the child, family and current problem or challenges experienced. Some challenges can be worked on very effectively in a fairly short period of time; other challenges may take much longer. A treatment plan and goals will be developed in collaboration with the counsellor, child and parents. During counseling sessions your child will get an opportunity to talk about their feelings and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space.

Counsellors will always protect the child’s right to privacy while at the same time respecting the parent’s right to information. Privacy is especially important in securing and maintaining the trust relationship between the counsellor and the child.

How can parents help?

Parents need to focus on the following:

1. Prepare their child for counselling. Explain the reasons why they are considering counselling for their child. If you find it difficult to convey the message, ask your counsellor to assist with this.
2. Set realistic expectations for counselling.
3.  Ensure your child attend all their appointments and be open for suggestions from the counsellor to do things differently. The counselor will guide you how to support your child.
4. Have a positive attitude about the counselling process. Never allow family members to tease your child about being in counselling. Let children know they have your permission to speak honestly with a counsellor.
5. Avoid pressuring your child to talk about every detail discussed in the counselling session.
6. Lastly, Be present. Parent with love and patience.

Children are unique and holistic beings that sometimes require assistance and support in order to grow and develop to their fullest potential. Give your child the opportunity today and remember; change takes time and consistency.

Contact us to schedule your appointment.