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Information For Parents
The Children's Counselling service is a free, confidential support service for children and young people aged between 5 and 18 who are experiencing difficulties relating to family breakdown.
It can help children who are struggling to adjust to a new family situation.
Research shows that arrangements work best when children feel their concerns have been actively considered, and many welcome the opportunity to talk to someone other than a parent at this time.
Any child or young person whose parents are undergoing separation or divorce can use the service. It is important that parents consent to the counselling, but the child should also WANT to come to the sessions.
What children are telling us...
Through our one-to-one work with children over many years, we have been able to identify common issues, concerns and anxieties that many experience during what is a difficult and uncertain time.
- Parents not understanding their feelings – they were too busy being angry
- Children can’t tell their parents how upset they are if they see their parents are also very angry or upset
- They need reassurance about the future
- They need reassurance that both parents love them and that the separation was not their fault
- Sometimes parents tell them too much or too little
- They don’t want to choose between parents and want to continue relationships with both parents
- They want straightforward information
- They need your respect as individuals
- They want the opportunity to voice their concerns and have their needs considered
Our Children’s Counselling Service can help you minimise the negative impact of your separation and divorce on your children.
We achieve positive outcomes for 90% of the children and young people who have used the service.
If you feel that we could help your own child/ren then please do get in touch.
For Parents FAQs
Who can use the service?
Any child or young person whose parents are undergoing separation or divorce can use the service. It is important that parents consent to the counselling, but the child/young person should also WANT to come to the sessions.
How are appointments made?
showYou can contact us and ask for the Childrens’ Counselling Service. Alternatively you can speak to your mediator if you have one.
What happens after initial contact?
showThe parent who has referred the child will be invited to a meeting with a counsellor to discuss the problems and determine what should happen next. If counselling is felt appropriate, the child will be offered an appointment. We will usually contact the other parent and if everyone is in agreement, further sessions will be arranged. We are able to offer up to six sessions.
What happens at the sessions?
showEach session lasts 50 minutes. They are held in a child-friendly room in our Middlesbrough offices and at specially identified premises such as Sure Start Centres in other areas of Tees Valley. Each child is treated as an individual and the session is adapted to be age appropriate and meet their needs.
Are the sessions confidential?
showYes. Any information shared with the parent(s) is done with the child’s permission. We would only talk to other without permission if there were concerns about the safety of any family member.
What happens if six sessions aren’t enough?
showWe have links with other agencies who offer therapeutic help to children and young people , and we would refer your child on to them if appropriate.
