How can play-based therapy support your child?

Play can give your child a gentle way to show what is going on when words feel hard to find. In a calm, relational space, I use play-based approaches to help children express feelings, build trust and make sense of difficult experiences at a pace that feels safe for them.

What role can you have as a parent or carer in your child’s counselling?

That depends on your child’s age, needs and what feels most helpful. I usually work in a way that keeps your child’s sense of safety and privacy in mind, while also making space for you to share concerns, stay informed and support the work around sessions.

COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE · CAWDOR

Children do not need fixing.

When a child or young person is struggling, it can often feel like there is something wrong that needs to be solved. However, most difficulties are a natural response to the world they are navigating.

Counselling provides a safe, consistent space for them to process what is happening, explore their feelings, and find their own way forward, without the pressure of being “fixed.”

Children and young people do not always communicate what they are feeling through words.

Their experiences may appear through behaviour, anxiety, withdrawal, anger, changes in confidence or difficulties at home or school.

A space shaped around them

Every child and young person is different. Some find it helpful to talk; others prefer to express themselves through play, creative materials, or more active approaches. I work integratively, shaping sessions around what feels most helpful for them at that time.

Confidentiality and trust

Trust is at the heart of the work. What happens in sessions stays confidential; I will not share specific details with parents or teachers unless there is a concern about safety. Respecting a young person’s privacy is essential for them to feel safe enough to share what is truly on their mind.

Working with families

While the focus is on the child or young person, the support of parents and carers is vital. I offer occasional review meetings to talk about how the work is going in general terms, and how you can continue to support them at home.

Practical information

Sessions take place in my dedicated space in Cawdor, a quiet and private environment. Each lasts up to 60 minutes, usually once a week. The number of sessions is not fixed; we can work for a short period or longer-term depending on what is needed.

“An increase in confidence has been noted in school, at home and by family. He puts into practice techniques learned with Mike day to day.”

A PARENT

Frequently asked questions

Children's Counselling

Community Engagement

Counselling Services

Session Expectations

Confidentiality

Booking and Payments

Workshops and Resources

Start a conversation

You do not need to have everything worked out before contacting me. A few words about what you are looking for is enough, and I will respond by email.

If you are getting in touch about counselling, we can begin with a free 30-minute First Steps Call.

hello@mjowellbeingservices.uk

01667 371 715 · 07396 804 202

MJO Wellbeing Services is not a crisis service. If someone’s life is at immediate risk, phone 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health support in Scotland, phone NHS 24 on 111 and choose the mental health option.