COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS

A Children and Young Persons' Counselling Service is offered to enable children and young people time to explore their thoughts and feelings about changes they may be experiencing in their life due to parental separation, divorce or moving into a stepfamily.

What can the Children's Counsellor offer?

The children would usually have individual sessions designed to allow them to explore what their parents' separation has meant for them and help them to have confidence in themselves and perhaps to have a better understanding of the changes in their lives.

As individual work with a child progresses, it might become apparent that in order to help move a child on, other family members may be included or consulted.This inclusion would be with the child's knowledge and consent.

Separation can affect children of all ages and the Children's Counsellor will see children and young persons normally between the ages of 5 and 16.

Never assume children are too old or too young for separation not to affect them and whatever their age need continued love and support.

Confidentiality

The Children's Service approach is child centred and, therefore, the content of a session would remain with the child and the counsellor unless the child chooses otherwise.

An exception to total confidentiality might arise if a child makes a serious allegation that they are exposed to a dangerous/abusive situation.

It is important that parents understand a child's right to privacy in the therapeutic setting. Confidentiality is crucial in creating a safe place for the child to feel free to express their feelings.

Although the Children's Service is based in Dundee, children can be seen at various locations in Perth and Angus. Public offices such as Citizens Advice Bureaux, Resource Centres are all used in the provision of the service.

The Children's Service is free but, if you wish, donations may be given to Family Mediation Tayside.