In-person counselling therapy for 12-18 year olds at Clockhaus

Giving young people the opportunity to be heard in a safe space

I have extended availability for work specifically with young people (aged 12-18), in person from my practice in Rochester.

I am a qualified, BACP registered private practitioner, offering a confidential service in a non-judgemental, safe space. Working independently means that CYP (Children and Young People) counselling is not subject to long waiting lists or school term/holidays, so it is continuous and uninterrupted.

Did you know?

• by March 2023, 847,000 children were known to have been victim to cyberbullying

• Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in 15-29 year olds and more prevalent in young males

• hospitals reported a 22% increase in children (8-17) requiring admission due to self harm (2023). Self harm often stays unreported and is deemed to be generally misunderstood.

• more than 250,000 children (aged 10-17) are known to be in gangs

• over 450,000 children live with adults with addiction

• According to the WYSA Youth report: “

  • Almost half of young people recognise their anxiety

  • One in three fear socialising and speaking to people

  • Over a quarter have a strong disliking of their body or the way they look

  • One in four teenagers are depressed or feel down a lot

  • A fifth are struggling to get enough sleep

    …” a large number of teenagers appear to be reluctant to reach out for help. What's stopping them:

  • 43% are too embarrassed

  • 41% don’t think they need help

  • 34 % don’t think anyone will care

  • 17% don’t know who to ask “

    (source: https://www.wysa.com/uk-youth-report)

Does December fill you with dread?

Along with ‘fomo’ and the social peer pressure to have a ‘fun time’ in a close familial setting, we also get asked to consider those less fortunate than ourselves. Footage of war victims in horrific circumstances, homelessness, poverty, victims of abuse and abandonment … Whilst this may be the antithesis to the promotion of happy party faces, laughter, shiny decorations, happy families; you may well feel neither applies to how you are feeling.

The constant visual bombardment of families and friends sitting at tables laden with food, gifts and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety, despair and sadness, especially when struggling with a fraught relationship with food, a dysfunctional family, cost of living, loneliness, grief, substance abuse, relationship breakdowns.

Consider the alternative of opting out of the default. What makes you feel soothed? For some that can mean shutting the world out and cocooning. Surround yourself with things that contribute towards your self care, be it a book, a call with someone meaningful, a nap in the afternoon, a piece of music, shutting newsreels down, volunteering, stroking a pet, etc.

Talking to a professional listener who does not judge, analyse or direct you is a great way of caring for the you.

Give yourself the gift of talking therapy.

Don’t give in to the Seasonal Goblins; this year, make it the December YOU want for yourself.

Don’t let the Shame Gremlin in

Life happens. People happen. Over the years we endure set backs, trauma, loss, attacks, disappointments - various forms of pain. In a society where a WW2 mantra of “ Keep Calm and Carry On…” still acts as a subliminal undertone, we carry painful experiences with us as we grow and evolve. Every little and big nightmare piles up, almost entering our DNA. No surprise then that we sometimes react in what can be perceived in an irrational manner; we simply short circuit. Over time this can lead us to question our ‘sanity’ ; have you caught yourself asking “ What is WRONG with ME ?”

This short question acts as a fast track to growing a monster of guilt and shame. To squash this emerging gremlin, change your narrative to “ What has happened to me ?” Feel the difference yet?

Therapy can help in making sense of what has really happened to you.

#stoptheshamegremlins.