Counselling for Young People in Basingstoke
A safe, supportive space for young people to be themselves
Being a teenager or young adult can be difficult. There can be pressure from school, friendships, family, social media and expectations about the future, while at the same time trying to work out who you are and where you fit in.
Sometimes it can be difficult for a young person to explain what they're feeling. They may become withdrawn, anxious, overwhelmed or irritable, or seem to be coping on the outside while struggling underneath.
Counselling can give young people a confidential space where they can talk openly, make sense of their feelings and explore what's happening in their lives without being judged.
I offer counselling for young people in Basingstoke, both face-to-face and online where appropriate.
How might a young person be struggling?
Every young person is different, and there isn't always an obvious sign that something is wrong.
You may have noticed that your young person is:
Feeling anxious or worried
Becoming overwhelmed more easily
Struggling with school or college
Finding friendships or social situations difficult
Experiencing low confidence or self-esteem
Having difficulty managing strong emotions
Becoming withdrawn or spending more time alone
Finding changes or uncertainty particularly difficult
Struggling with sleep or switching off
Putting a lot of pressure on themselves
Finding it difficult to talk about how they feel
Experiencing friendship or relationship difficulties
Feeling different from their peers
Struggling with the expectations placed on them
Sometimes there may be a particular event that has led to difficulties. At other times, a young person may simply say that they don't feel right or that they don't know what's wrong.
They don't need to have a clear explanation before coming to counselling.
Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
Anxiety can have a big impact on a young person's everyday life.
They may worry about school, friendships, exams, what other people think of them or what might happen in the future. Anxiety can also show itself through avoidance, irritability, physical symptoms or difficulty sleeping.
For some young people, feeling overwhelmed can make it difficult to regulate their emotions or communicate what they need.
Counselling can provide a space to explore these experiences and develop a greater understanding of what's happening for them.
Neurodiversity and young people
I have a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent young people, including those with ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodiversity.
A young person may be experiencing:
School or social anxiety
Sensory overwhelm
Difficulties with emotional regulation
Friendship and communication difficulties
The pressure to mask or hide aspects of themselves
Feeling different from their peers
Low confidence or self-esteem
Burnout and exhaustion
Difficulties coping with change or uncertainty
For some young people, understanding their neurodivergence can help make sense of experiences that have previously been confusing or frustrating.
Counselling can provide a space where they don't have to pretend to be someone they're not.
A space where they can talk at their own pace
It's understandable for parents to want to know what will happen in counselling.
My approach is gentle and collaborative. I don't expect a young person to sit down and immediately talk about everything that's bothering them.
Building trust is an important part of the process.
We can start with where they feel comfortable and gradually explore the things that are important to them.
I won't tell them what they "should" be feeling or give them a list of things they need to change. Instead, I'll listen, ask questions and help them explore their experiences and develop a better understanding of themselves.
What about parents?
It can be difficult to know how to support your child when they are struggling.
You may be worried about them, unsure whether what they're experiencing is part of growing up or something that needs additional support, or simply feel that you've tried everything you know.
Where appropriate, I can work collaboratively with parents while respecting the young person's privacy and the importance of building a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Before counselling begins, we can discuss how this will work and what you can expect.
Face-to-face counselling in Basingstoke
I offer face-to-face counselling from my private practice in Basingstoke, as well as online counselling across the UK.
Sessions are available at different times, including some evening and Saturday appointments, which can make counselling easier to fit around school, college and family life.
How much does counselling cost?
Individual counselling sessions are £55 for 50 minutes.
I also offer a free 30-minute initial consultation so that we can talk about what's happening and answer any questions you may have before deciding whether to arrange counselling.
There is no obligation to continue.
Is counselling right for my young person?
You don't need to wait until things become overwhelming before asking for support.
If your young person is struggling with anxiety, emotions, friendships, school, confidence or feeling different from those around them, counselling may provide them with a space to explore what's going on.
If you're unsure whether counselling would be appropriate, you're welcome to get in touch and we can discuss your situation.
Take the first step
If you're looking for counselling for a young person in Basingstoke, I would be happy to arrange a free 30-minute consultation.
We can talk about what's been happening, answer any questions you have and discuss whether I might be the right counsellor for your young person.