Ethical Relational Counselling for Children and Young People

This workshop looks at the model I have created for working with children and young people.

Effective counselling of children and young people occurs within an ethical framework, which covers the law, ethical responsibilities, safeguarding and contracting.

From this starting point, we look at how to develop the therapeutic relationship that can bring about positive change.

Working with Adverse Childhood Experiences

The phrase ACEs is a current ‘buzzword’ but what is an adverse childhood experience (ACE)? How can this affect the development and mental health of children and young people?
In this workshop we explore ACEs and examine the impact on the young client, from attachment issues, to behavioral issues. The workshop looks at how to help the client to tell and process their story safely, avoiding re-traumatisation.

Using case studies and practical activities, we look at how to develop the therapeutic relationship to benefit the young client that has Adverse Childhood Experiences, while taking into account the impact on the therapist.

Using Creative and Therapeutic Play

This entirely experiential workshop explores how you can use play to help children to tell their stories and make sense of their world. We also look at a selection of activities that can provide insight and help implement change and improve understanding.

Using demonstration and triad work, participants have a hands-on experience of how creative work can improve therapeutic outcomes.

Workshop Descriptions

Working with Neurodivergence in Children and Young People

This topic is very current and raises a lot of questions for us as therapists. Anecdotally I have experienced a rise in the number of clients that have approached me that are identifying as neurodivergent.

The workshop examines what is neurodivergence, how can you recognise it in your client, and what can you do if you notice possible neurodivergent behaviours in your client.

We will also look at how can you work with neurodivergent clients and how this might differ from work with neurotypical clients, if at all.

Working with Self-Harm and Risk in Children and Young People

The sensitive topic of risk is one of the areas that can cause anxiety in the therapist, especially when working with young people.

The workshop explores:

how to assess risk
how to work effectively with a young client that presents with self-harm or suicidal ideation
when and how to break confidentiality.
when and how to refer to keep the client safe and ensure ethical professional practice.
the different referral pathways and possible consequences of referral.

Due to the sensitive nature of the subject we also look at the impact on the practitioner and how to mange our own well-being.

Photography by: Pia Kwasnica