School Counselling

Information Leaflet for Parents/Guardians/Carers

Primary School Based

What is Counselling?

Counselling is an opportunity to talk, play, and explore things that are of concern to your child, in confidence, with a qualified Counsellor. What is spoken about will depend on your child, but some common themes may be worries, relationships, change, loss and distressing or traumatic events.

It is your child’s decision if they take up the offer of Counselling.

What does the Counsellor do?

Counsellors and Art(s) Therapists are trained to listen without judging, and to help your child work through their thoughts and feelings that may be causing them concern.

They are professionally qualified with experience of working with children and young people.

All Counsellors adhere to the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and Art(s) Therapists adhere to the Code of Practice and Standards as outlined by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and the Ethical Framework outlined by their Professional Body.

How Does This Support Differ From The Support Your Child Already Has?

School Counselling is an intervention delivered by a specially trained person who receives clinical supervision, and is practising with accountability, confidentiality, and continued Professional Development.

Why Have a Counsellor in School?

A primary school service brings Counselling to children and Young People in a place that is familiar, safe and secure. Some children and young people who are to receive emotional support from a qualified professional may find that they have greater opportunity to fulfil their potential.

A confidential space is made available in your child’s school day. Each session lasts up to 50 minutes, and the sessions will be held weekly during term time.

Is It Confidential?

The information discussed in the counselling service is treated confidentially. Counselling is a time when it’s okay to talk about concerns without fear of them being discussed elsewhere. This includes not discussing the work with parents, unless the child or young person gives consent for this. This can be hard for parents to accept at times, but ensuring the confidentiality of the work enables the ability to establish trust, so that your child feels confident to speak openly and freely about what is concerning him/her.

How can I support the Counselling Work?

Experience shows that the most helpful way a parent can support their child when they decide to embark on the counselling journey, is to show acceptance of counselling as a normal and useful activity. You may find that as a result of counselling, your child will want to express and explore what they have been experiencing. However, some children will not want to talk about counselling, and this is equally natural.

What does it mean if my child wants to see a counsellor?

We all experience occasions when it feels hard to speak to those closest to us about things that are bothering us. Often this can because we don’t want to worry those we love, or because we want to help thinking things through with someone else outside the family. The counsellor will be looking to help your child find their way through whatever is troubling them.

For further information, please contact:

Tracey O’Neill, Pupil Counsellor, Tel: 07738402635

Or email: Tracey.ONeill@vsa.org.uk