Counselling for Teenagers & Young People in Haywards Heath

A safe space to talk, without judgement or pressure

Being a teenager or young person can sometimes feel overwhelming.

School or college pressures, friendships, family relationships, social media, worries about the future, anxiety or simply feeling different can all become difficult to manage. Sometimes it can be hard to understand why you feel the way you do, let alone explain it to somebody else.

I offer counselling for teenagers and young people in Haywards Heath, providing a confidential and supportive space where you can talk openly, at your own pace.

You don’t need to know exactly what is wrong or what you want to talk about before coming to counselling. We can work that out together.

How counselling may help

Young people come to counselling for many different reasons. You might be experiencing:

Or you may simply know that something doesn’t feel right.

Counselling gives you somewhere to explore those feelings without being told what you should think or feel.

For parents and carers

It can be incredibly difficult to see your child struggling, particularly when they don’t want – or aren’t able – to tell you what’s wrong.

You may have noticed changes in their mood or behaviour. They might have become withdrawn, anxious, angry or overwhelmed. Perhaps school has become difficult, friendships have changed, or you’re concerned about self-harm, low self-esteem or their emotional wellbeing.

Sometimes young people find it easier to talk to someone outside their immediate family.

Counselling provides them with their own space to talk openly with someone who isn’t a parent, teacher or friend.

It isn’t about judging your parenting or taking sides. My role is to support the young person, helping them understand what they’re experiencing and find ways of moving forward that feel right for them.

If you’re a parent or carer considering counselling for a young person, you’re welcome to contact me first to discuss whether I may be the right person to support them.

Neurodiversity and young people

I have additional training and experience in working with neurodivergent clients, including young people with ADHD and autism.

For some neurodivergent young people, everyday life can feel particularly demanding.

School pressures, friendships, sensory overwhelm, masking, difficulties regulating emotions or feeling misunderstood can all affect confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Counselling isn’t about trying to change who somebody is.

Instead, I offer a space where a young person can explore their experiences, understand themselves better and feel accepted for who they are.

What happens in counselling?

Starting counselling can feel strange, particularly if you’ve never spoken to a counsellor before.

There isn’t a right way to do it.

You won’t be expected to walk into the room and immediately tell me everything that’s happening in your life.

We’ll take things at your pace.

Some sessions may involve talking about something specific that’s happened. Other times we might explore thoughts, feelings, relationships or situations that have been difficult.

Most importantly, counselling is your space.

Is counselling confidential?

Counselling is confidential, and this is particularly important when working with young people.

I will explain clearly at the beginning what confidentiality means and the limited circumstances in which I may need to share information if I am seriously concerned about someone’s safety or wellbeing.

For parents, I understand that trusting somebody else to support your child can feel difficult. I will explain how confidentiality works before counselling begins so that both you and the young person understand what to expect.

Face-to-face counselling in Haywards Heath

I offer face-to-face counselling from Vinings Natural Health Centre in Haywards Heath, providing a comfortable and private environment away from home and school.

Online counselling is also available where appropriate.

Not sure whether counselling is the right next step?

Choosing a counsellor can feel daunting – for a young person and for their parent or carer.

That’s why I offer a free initial 50-minute telephone consultation.

It gives us an opportunity to talk about what’s happening, answer any questions you have and consider whether counselling with me feels like the right fit.

There is no obligation to continue afterwards.

Get in touch

If you’re a young person looking for someone to talk to, or a parent or carer concerned about your child, you’re welcome to contact me.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting in touch.

Contact Charlotte Jane Counselling to arrange a free initial consultation.