What is counselling?

‘Counselling is a mental health intervention that children or young people can voluntarily enter into if they want to explore, understand and overcome issues in their lives which may be causing them difficulty, distress and/or confusion. A counselling relationship has identified boundaries and an explicit contract agreed between the young person, counsellor and, where appropriate, parent or carer.’

Counselling provides an opportunity to talk in confidence to a qualified counsellor about any issues/concerns someone may have. The issues raised will depend on each individual, however, common themes can be stress, anxiety, low mood, bereavement, traumatic events.

Who are the counsellors?

All counsellors are professionally qualified and experienced people who have experience working with children and young people. Counsellors are trained to listen without judgement and to help children and young people sort out their thoughts and feelings about whatever is worrying them.

What is involved?

The confidential counselling sessions will take place in a safe, secure and welcoming room within the school. Counselling may last a few sessions or up to six sessions (or longer in certain circumstances). The need is reviewed regularly between the counsellor and pupil.

Is it confidential?

A key feature of a counselling service is that information is treated confidentially. Ensuring the confidentiality of the work is crucial to establishing trust so that pupils feel safe and confident to talk openly about what is concerning them. However, if a pupil appears to be at risk of significant harm it may be appropriate to seek help from other agencies to keep them safe. 

What if I don’t want my child to receive counselling?

The counsellor would prefer to have parental/carer support for their involvement and are happy to discuss with you any concerns that you may have, however, if your child requests counselling and is able to understand what is involved in the process, then they have the right to access counselling.

 For children in a primary school, parent/carer permission is required (This service is targeted within primary at children aged 10 and above only).

What if my child does not want counselling?

It is important to note that counselling is entirely voluntary, and a child/young person may choose not to engage with counselling, or to stop counselling sessions at any time.

How are referrals made?

Referrals can be made in two ways- self-referral (in secondary schools) or by school staff.

Referrals are made through the submission of a completed school referral form with the support of the Educational Psychologist.

Can I make a referral?

Parents cannot make a direct referral to this service. However, if a parent does ask for their child to be considered for counselling, this request will be assessed by school Link Staff. Consideration should be given to other interventions and services available, whether this is the right support at the right time, and the pupil’s explicit agreement must be sought.