A safe space for children to talk, be heard and make sense of what they’re experiencing
Growing up can be complicated. Changes at home, difficulties at school, friendship problems, family relationships, worries about the future or simply feeling overwhelmed can all affect how a child or young person feels.
Sometimes it can be difficult for them to talk to the people closest to them. Counselling gives them a safe, confidential space to talk with a qualified counsellor who will listen without judgement and help them explore what is going on.
Counselling for children and young people in Sussex
Children and young people don't always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Sometimes changes in behaviour, difficulties at school, withdrawal or becoming more emotional can be signs that something isn't feeling right.
They don't have to wait until things become overwhelming before getting support.
Our children and young people's counsellors work with children and young people at a pace that feels right for them. Counselling can give them an opportunity to understand their thoughts and feelings, develop ways of coping and feel more confident about handling challenges.
We support children and young people from a range of backgrounds and with many different experiences. Every young person is different, so counselling is tailored to their individual needs.
When might counselling help?
There are many reasons a child or young person might benefit from having someone outside their family or school to talk to.
You might be looking for support if your child or teenager is:
- struggling with worries or anxiety
- finding school difficult or feeling overwhelmed by school
- experiencing friendship difficulties or bullying
- going through changes at home or within their family
- struggling with their emotions or expressing how they feel
- becoming withdrawn or less engaged with things they normally enjoy
- experiencing low confidence or self-esteem
- finding it difficult to cope with change or uncertainty
- dealing with bereavement, separation or another significant life event
- struggling with relationships at home or with others
- having difficulty adjusting to a new situation
- simply finding life difficult and not knowing why
You don't need to know exactly what is wrong before contacting us.
Sometimes the first step is simply recognising that your child isn't quite themselves and wondering whether talking to someone might help.
What can children and young people talk about?
Counselling is their space.
They may want to talk about something specific, or they may not know where to start. Their counsellor can help them explore what is going on without putting pressure on them to have all the answers.
This might include:
- worries about school, exams or the future
- friendships and social pressures
- family relationships
- parents separating or changes in family life
- feelings of anger, sadness or frustration
- confidence and self-esteem
- feeling different or not fitting in
- difficult experiences or changes
- worries about growing up
- managing strong emotions
- problems communicating with the people around them
They can also talk about things they may find difficult to discuss with parents, carers, teachers or friends.
How can counselling help?
Having a regular opportunity to talk to someone who isn't a parent, teacher or friend can make a real difference.
Counselling can help children and young people:
- make sense of their thoughts and feelings
- develop a better understanding of themselves
- find ways to manage difficult emotions
- build confidence and self-esteem
- explore difficult situations from a different perspective
- develop healthier ways of coping
- improve communication
- understand relationships and boundaries
- feel listened to and taken seriously
- identify what might help them move forward
The aim isn't to tell a young person what they should do. Instead, counselling gives them the space to explore their own experiences and find ways forward that feel right for them.
What happens in children and young people’s counselling?
Getting started is straightforward.
First, you'll contact our team to tell us a little about what you're looking for.
We can explain how our service works, discuss whether counselling may be appropriate and answer any questions you have.
Your child or young person will then have an initial appointment with a qualified counsellor.
The initial appointment gives the counsellor an opportunity to understand what has brought you to the service and to consider how best to support the young person.
It is also an opportunity for the young person to start getting to know their counsellor and decide whether the space feels comfortable for them.
If counselling is appropriate, regular sessions can then begin.
There is no expectation that they will immediately open up or talk about everything. Building trust takes time, and their counsellor will work at a pace that feels appropriate for them.
What about parents and carers?
It is completely understandable to have questions about counselling when you're arranging support for your child.
Parents and carers have an important role in the process, for example, ensuring their children attend sessions.
At the same time, it is important that a young person has a counselling space where they feel able to speak openly.
Your counsellor will explain confidentiality and its limits at the beginning of the counselling process, including the circumstances in which information may need to be shared to keep a young person safe.
If you're worried about your child but aren't sure whether counselling is the right option, you can talk to our team before making a decision.
Where we offer children and young people’s counselling
We offer face-to-face children and young people's counselling at selected Relationships Sussex locations across Sussex.
Children and young people's counselling is available in Crawley for children from age 5 upwards.
Children and young people's counselling is available in Horsham for young people from age 10 upwards.
Children and young people's counselling is available in Chichester for young people from age 11 upwards.
How much does children and young people’s counselling cost?
Children and young people's counselling is currently £50 per session.
As a charity, we are committed to making counselling as accessible as possible. We also have a reduced-cost counselling bursary scheme for people who meet our eligibility criteria, subject to available funding.
You can find full details of our current fees and reduced-cost options on our Counselling Fees page.
Why choose Relationships Sussex?
Over 60 years of experience
Relationships Sussex is a registered charity with more than 60 years' experience supporting individuals, couples, families, children and young people across Sussex.
Qualified counsellors
Our counsellors are qualified and experienced in the services they provide, with regular professional supervision and ongoing development.
A safe and confidential space
We provide a welcoming environment where children and young people can talk openly, without judgement.
Counselling tailored to the individual
There isn't one solution that works for every child. Our counsellors take time to understand each young person's experiences, needs and circumstances.
A charity, not-for-profit service
We're here because we believe people should be able to access support when they need it. Your counselling fee helps us continue providing services to our local communities.