White Pebble Therapy
Young people (13-18)
Adolescence can be a difficult and emotionally intense time. Young people are often navigating pressure from school, friendships, identity, family relationships and social media, while also trying to make sense of who they are and where they belong.
Young people can experience grief and loss in many different ways. This may follow the death of someone important to them, but it can also arise through family breakdown, estrangement, friendship difficulties, relationship endings, changes in identity, or the loss of stability and security in their lives.
Grief in adolescence can often feel confusing and overwhelming, and may present as:
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anxiety, panic or constant overthinking
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withdrawal, low mood or emotional numbness
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anger, frustration or irritability
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loneliness and feeling misunderstood
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friendship or relationship difficulties
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loss of confidence and low self-esteem
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difficulties with school, attendance or academic pressure
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feeling different, disconnected or unsure of identity
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emotional overwhelm or struggling to regulate feelings
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self-harm or unhealthy coping strategies
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rumination and getting stuck in “if only…” thoughts
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difficulty adjusting to change or accepting a new reality
Often, these emotions become tangled together, making it hard for young people to fully understand or express what they are feeling. Therapy can offer a space to explore these experiences at their own pace and begin to make sense of what they are going through.
My approach
I work with young people in-person from my therapy studio in Shoreham-by-Sea.
My approach is collaborative, offering a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where the young person can feel heard, understood and involved in shaping the work we do together. Sessions are led a their pace and are often conversational in style, with space for them to bring whatever feels most important to explore. Together, we may gently make sense of thoughts, feelings and experiences, and look at patterns or relationships that feel confusing or overwhelming.
While talking therapy forms the core of my work, I also recognise that some young people prefer to communicate in different ways. We may choose together to use creative methods such as drawing, journalling, imagery, metaphor, cards and reflective prompts to support expression and exploration in a way that feels comfortable and accessible. I also use board games within sessions where appropriate, which can help to build connection, ease anxiety and create a shared focus when talking feels difficult. These can support engagement, emotional regulation and communication in a more relaxed and natural way, allowing the therapeutic relationship to develop at a steady and safe pace.
My experience
Alongside my counselling work, I have worked with young people as a secondary school teacher for over a decade. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the emotional, social and academic pressures that many teenagers face.
I have also worked within a school setting for Place2Be, supporting children and young people with their emotional wellbeing.
I hold a valid enhanced DBS certificate and work in line with professional safeguarding and ethical guidelines.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic work with young people and helps to create a safe and trusting space. I offer an in-person initial consultation session where parents or carers are welcome to attend, giving an opportunity to share background information, ask questions and discuss any concerns.
Following this, the ongoing sessions are primarily between myself and the young person, allowing them the privacy to speak freely. What is discussed in sessions is kept confidential, except in situations where there are concerns about the young person’s safety or the safety of others, in which case appropriate safeguarding procedures would need to be followed. I will always aim to be open and transparent with the young person about this, and wherever possible encourage them to be part of any decisions or discussions that need to be shared.
