White Pebble Therapy
Young people (13-18)
Being a teenager can feel overwhelming at times. Adolescence is a period of huge change, where you may be trying to work out who you are, where you fit in, and what your future might look like. Along the way, there can be pressure from school, friendships, family relationships, social media, and the expectations you place on yourself or feel from others.
Sometimes things happen that are difficult to process. Young people can experience grief and loss in many different ways. This may be after losing someone important, but it can also come from family changes, a friendship ending, relationship break-ups, feeling disconnected from others, changes in who you are, or losing a sense of safety and stability.
Understanding what you might be feeling
Grief is not always easy to recognise. It can feel confusing, unpredictable, and difficult to put into words. You might notice things like:
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anxiety, panic, or feeling like your mind will not switch off
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overthinking and getting stuck on “what if?” or “if only…” thoughts
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feeling low, empty, numb, or disconnected
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anger, frustration, or feeling more easily irritated than usual
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loneliness or feeling like nobody really understands
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difficulties with friendships or relationships
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losing confidence or feeling unsure of yourself
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struggling with school, concentration, attendance, or pressure to achieve
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feeling different, lost, or unsure about who you are
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feeling overwhelmed by emotions or finding them hard to manage
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turning to coping strategies that may not be helping you in the long term, including self-harm
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finding it difficult to accept changes or adjust to a new situation
Sometimes these feelings can become tangled together, making it hard to know exactly what you are feeling or how to explain it to others. You might feel like you “should be okay” but still find things difficult.
Counselling can give you a space where you can talk openly, without judgement, and explore things at your own pace. Together, we can make sense of what you have been through, understand your emotions, and find ways to help you feel more like yourself again.
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.
Get in touch
Book a free introductory call to discuss what's going on for you and explore whether we could work together.
Address
White Pebble Therapy
4 The Herons
Shoreham-by-Sea
BN43 5UJ
Phone
+44 7874 475177
