Parent/Carer Information

Information for Parents and Carers

Introduction

At times, children and young people may need a little extra help with their worries or problems. Even when they have a good relationship with their parents or carers, they might find it hard to talk about how they feel.
Talking to a trusted person — such as a friend, teacher, or relative — can sometimes help. However, when worries begin to affect a child’s behaviour, confidence, or schoolwork, counselling can offer additional support.

At Peony Counselling, I provide a safe, confidential space for children and young people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to find ways to cope and feel better.

  • I am specially trained and experienced in supporting children and young people.
  • I Work within the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework.
  • Receive regular professional supervision and ongoing training.
  • Hold an enhanced police (DBS) checks to ensure their suitability for working with young people.

How Can Counsellors Help?

Counsellors are skilled in listening without judgment and helping clients make sense of their feelings and experiences.

Counselling is usually short-term (around six sessions) and for younger children, sessions may include the use of play materials or creative activities to help them express themselves.

What Issues Can Counsellors Help With?

Counsellors can help with a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Friendship issues, teasing, or bullying
  • Exam stress or worries about schoolwork
  • Family changes such as separation or divorce
  • Bereavement or loss
  • Low mood, anxiety, or anger
  • Coping with physical or emotional changes during adolescence

Even younger children can benefit from the space and time counselling provides, helping them to feel more confident and better able to cope at home and in school.

Is Counselling Confidential?

Confidentiality is at the heart of effective counselling. This means that what a young person shares in their sessions is private and will not be shared with parents, carers, or anyone else — unless:

  • The young person asks for or agrees to information being shared, or
  • The counsellor believes the young person (or another person) is at risk of serious harm.

I understand that it can be difficult for parents not to know what is being discussed, but confidentiality helps build trust and allows children to speak freely.

Counsellors can provide parents or referrers with general updates on attendance and progress (without disclosing specific details). Sometimes, a child may wish to share something with a parent, and the counsellor can support them to do this in a planned and supported way.

If a referral to another agency may be helpful, I will always seek parental consent before doing so (except in exceptional safeguarding circumstances).

Remote Counselling Options

In addition to face-to-face sessions, Peony Counselling offers remote counselling for children and young people, including:

  • Telephone counselling – sessions by phone call
  • Video counselling – via Teams or WhatsApp

These methods have been carefully selected to ensure safety and confidentiality. We aim to match each young person with the most suitable approach and counsellor for their needs.

When accessing remote counselling, it’s important that the young person has a quiet, private space where they feel comfortable talking without being overheard. This helps create the same supportive and confidential environment as in-person sessions.

How Can Parents and Carers Support Counselling?

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting the counselling process. You can help by:

  • Accepting counselling as a normal and positive step
  • Showing interest if your child wants to share — but not pushing them if they prefer not to talk
  • Meeting the counsellor at the start (for primary-aged children) to understand how the process works

Counselling isn’t a quick fix, but with time and consistency, it can make a real difference in helping children manage their feelings and challenges.

Want to Know More?

If you’d like to find out more about counselling for children and young people, please get in touch:Louise Frith
📞 07815 565555
📧 louise@peonycounselling.co.uk