Counselling for Children and Young People in Dorset
When a child is struggling, it's one of the hardest things a parent can face. You want to help, but you're not always sure what help looks like — or whether they'd even be willing to talk to someone. Counselling for children and young people Dorset families turn to can make this easier — for both of you.
Counselling for children and young people isn't the same as adult therapy. It's adapted for where they are: their age, their communication style, and how they make sense of the world. And it can make a real difference.
What Can Counselling Help Children and Young People With?
Children and young people come to counselling for all kinds of reasons. There's no minimum threshold of difficulty that justifies seeking support — if something's affecting their wellbeing, that's reason enough.
Common reasons include:
Anxiety, worry, and fear
Low mood or depression
Difficulties at school (friendships, bullying, academic pressure)
Family changes — separation, bereavement, a new sibling, moving house
Trauma or difficult past experiences
Anger that feels hard to control
Low self-esteem and confidence
Eating difficulties
Identity questions, including around gender and sexuality
Neurodivergence — ADHD, autism, and related support needs
Self-harm
You don't need a referral from a GP or school to get started. If you're concerned about your child, reaching out directly is the right first step.
How Is Counselling for Young People Different to Adult Therapy?
Adult therapy tends to rely heavily on talking. Younger children don't always have the words for what they're feeling — and even teenagers may find direct conversation uncomfortable or impossible.
Child therapists are trained to work in different ways. For younger children, this might involve play, drawing, storytelling, or creative activities. These aren't distractions — they're how children process and communicate. A child who won't say "I feel scared" may show it through play in a way that gives the therapist real insight into what's going on.
For teenagers, sessions tend to look more like adult counselling, but with more flexibility. A good therapist will follow the young person's lead, move at their pace, and build the kind of relationship where honesty feels safe.
What Happens in the First Session?
The first session is an initial assessment. Depending on the age of the child, this might involve the parent or carer initially, before the therapist meets with the young person.
For younger children, parents are often present for part or all of the early sessions. As children get older, the balance shifts — teenagers generally need to know that sessions are confidential and that they can speak freely.
Your therapist will explain how sessions work, what confidentiality means, and what would happen if a safeguarding concern arose. This is explained clearly and honestly at the start.
How Do Children and Young People Respond to Counselling?
It varies. Some children take to it quickly. Others need a few sessions to build trust before they open up. Some don't want to be there at first — and that's okay. A skilled therapist knows how to work with reluctance, and rarely pushes.
Most parents notice changes gradually. Their child seems a little less on edge. They're sleeping better. Arguments at home ease off. They start talking about things they'd previously kept inside.
What About Teenagers?
Teenagers often resist the idea of counselling. It can feel like something's being done to them, rather than for them.
It helps to frame it as their space — not a place where they'll be judged, or where what they say gets fed back to parents. Confidentiality is a genuine part of the offer.
Many teenagers who start reluctantly find themselves looking forward to sessions within a few weeks. Having somewhere to be completely honest — without consequence — is rare at that age. A lot of them haven't had that before.
Is Counselling Suitable for Children With SEND?
Yes. Several of our therapists have experience working with neurodivergent children and young people, including those with ADHD, autism, and SEND profiles. Approaches are adapted accordingly — sessions may be shorter, structured differently, or use different tools.
If your child has a specific diagnosis or learning profile, let us know when you get in touch and we'll match you with the most appropriate therapist.
Counselling for Children and Young People Dorset: Getting Started
The first step is making contact. You can book an initial assessment online, call us, or drop us a message via WhatsApp. Tell us a bit about your child, their age, and what's been going on — we'll take it from there.
We have therapy rooms in Wimborne, Poundbury, and Ashley Cross, Poole. Online and telephone sessions are available too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Counselling for children and young people Dorset: at what age can children start?
We work with children from early childhood through to young adulthood. The youngest children typically engage through play and creative activities. There's no hard lower age limit — it depends on the child and what they need. Get in touch and we'll advise based on your situation.
Do I need a GP referral for my child to see a counsellor?
No. You can contact Wellbeing Practice directly. A referral isn't needed to access private counselling or therapy for children and young people.
How will I know if counselling is helping my child?
Progress can be subtle at first. You might notice your child seems calmer, sleeps better, or is more able to talk about difficult feelings. Your therapist will keep you updated on how things are going in a way that respects your child's confidentiality.
What if my child refuses to go?
This is common, especially with teenagers. It helps to present counselling as their space — somewhere to talk freely, without judgment or consequence. A good therapist can also work with initial reluctance. Sometimes a child who says "I'm not going" is in sessions within a fortnight, and glad they went.
Is what my child says in sessions confidential?
Yes, with some limits. Therapists maintain confidentiality unless there's a safeguarding concern — if a child discloses something that suggests they or someone else is at serious risk. This is explained clearly to both the child and parents at the start, so everyone understands the boundaries.
