Counselling Services for Children and Young People in Teesdale
Clare Finn
My experience with children and young people
“Warm, grounded counselling for adults, children and young people.”
My experience with children and young people (5-24 years)
“New joint analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and NHS Digital reveals a crisis that has surpassed all previous projections: more than one in four children and young people (26.8%) in the UK now have a probable mental health disorder.”
Ref: UK Youth Mental Health Issue 1 in 4 Children 2026
It is a scary time for parents and carers when their child is struggling. Where and who do you turn to? What are the wait times? What can you do to help? There are so many questions, anxiety and sleepless nights. I understand and empathise with this from the bottom of my heart. There has been a dramatic increase in children with depression and anxiety, social withdrawal, eating disorders and self-harm, and the long-term impact of unmanaged mental health issues is significant.
My 30-year teaching background working with children and young people has shown me how much they need the right support at the right time. I passionately believe in helping children and young people be heard, to nurture their voice, and to help them develop the skills and resilience to navigate life with all its complexities, stresses, expectations and difficulties.
Working specifically as a children’s counsellor with Place2Be on a recent year-long primary school placement has given me much insight and experience in working effectively with this age group using non-directive play therapy as the main tool for counselling with younger ones. The outcomes have been incredible to see.
Working primarily with teenagers as a teacher within the school pastoral teams, Inclusion units and SEN provision, I have seen, and been part of, the direct impact of timely interventions and support and have been honoured to be part of that journey for a young person. I promote autonomy and agency in helping them find their voice and identify their own issues and emotions and to navigate their way towards successful solutions and self-care and the development of emotional regulating techniques.
Parents: you are not alone in this. Seek the professional help through your GP and seek counselling support in the interim for your child as wait times for CAMHS referrals can be lengthy. For that reason, I offer a discounted rate for 5-24 year olds.
My 30-year teaching background working with children and young people has shown me how much they need the right support at the right time. I passionately believe in helping children and young people be heard, to nurture their voice, and to help them develop the skills and resilience to navigate life with all its complexities, stresses, expectations and difficulties.
Working specifically as a children’s counsellor with Place2Be on a recent year-long primary school placement has given me much insight and experience in working effectively with this age group using non-directive play therapy as the main tool for counselling with younger ones. The outcomes have been incredible to see.
Working primarily with teenagers as a teacher within the school pastoral teams, Inclusion units and SEN provision, I have seen, and been part of, the direct impact of timely interventions and support and have been honoured to be part of that journey for a young person. I promote autonomy and agency in helping them find their voice and identify their own issues and emotions and to navigate their way towards successful solutions and self-care and the development of emotional regulating techniques.
Parents: you are not alone in this. Seek the professional help through your GP and seek counselling support in the interim for your child as wait times for CAMHS referrals can be lengthy. For that reason, I offer a discounted rate for 5-24 year olds.
Working with Place2Be - Improving children's and young people's mental health.
Their website can be found here: place2be.org.uk
Curlew Counselling
A Journey of Personal Growth & Healing
