Julia Perkins MBACP
BA (Hons)
Dip.Couns
Relate Trained (L5 CPCAB)
Counselling Teens/Young Adults
Are you a teenager or young person who is struggling or finding life challenging? Do you feel no-one listens, hears or understands you? Do you often feel anxious or down? Would you like a regular space that is just for you? A confidential space without judgement where you can unload some of your troubles and share your anxieties? Where you can talk about absolutely anything that is bothering you or making you upset or angry, and you can talk about it in any way that feels right for you.
I am well aware that waiting lists for agencies like CAMHS are long and I aim to try and offer sessions as soon as possible and at flexible times to fit with your schedule; online via Zoom so you can access them from somewhere you might feel more comfortable like your bedroom, or via phone whilst walking in a park or slotted into a lunchtime or break from studying. You may also prefer the anonymity of being able to have Counselling with someone outside of the area in which you live.
I can support and provide a calm and caring environment. I can chat with you about your worries and advise or just listen if you prefer. I will not leave you sitting with long awkward silences like some therapeutic approaches. We live in a world where teens and young people are so often being told what to do, when to do it, how they should look, behave and how they should feel. What I would like to do instead is to offer you a chance to work with me to use the session time however you would like to. Let’s may be look at what you feel you need in your life to be happier, what are you good at, what do you enjoy, what are your challenges, what resources and strengths can you draw on?
Together we can explore ways to manage better, develop coping skills, build your confidence and self-esteem, and help with problem solving and decision making. Don’t worry if you don’t have a specific goal in mind or aren’t able to explain why you feel like you do, that’s okay; often just talking can help.
Having a regular time to talk to someone outside the circle of family, friends, G.P. or place of study has been shown to really help teens and young people develop better ways to communicate, cope better with their emotions, and in turn, develop more positive relationships.
I have undertaken additional specialist training in this area and if you are a teen or young person (or the parent of one) and feel you would like to try talking to someone who is warm, caring and friendly, please get in touch. You do not have to struggle alone. Often the lives of young people are timetabled with so many activities that the importance of making any space for well-being is forgotten. A counselling session is truly YOUR time when you don’t have to pretend to be anything you’re not, there’s no expectation and no judgement. And everyone deserves and needs some YOU time.