Carol Harrison

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within the ethical framework.

As a therapist I believe we all have unique abilities and the potential to solve our own issues we just need support to remember that sometimes when life throws hard times our way, we can easily forget our own power, feeling overwhelmed, stuck, at the mercy of events. Counselling is a process to help you resolve difficult feelings and gain a clearer understanding of your problems. I will support your journey within a very safe environment through a genuine and honest relationship, which will promote a self ­fulfilling and self healing process.

Sessions for children and young people may differ from counselling for adults, and will depend on your child’s age, specific needs and their development. Therapeutic Play sessions are facilitated through various ways of play and sometimes I use different techniques to help your child make sense of their feelings. This may include creative play, role play, including activities of your child's choice. In all instances the sessions will be adapted and tailored to meet your child's needs.

I can also offer family support sessions, should you feel a more holistic approach may be more beneficial. This is offered with 2/3 sessions with parent/parent(s) followed by sessions for child/ children. To be discussed and arranged at point of assessment.

Testimonial
"Thanks Carol for your support over the past six weeks, I was a sceptic at the beginning, and didn't really believe that 'talking' could possibly change anything. Whether I ever change to be a 'half glass full' person, only time will tell but I am definitely leaving the sessions more positive and determined to continue on a better path" JN

Testimonial
"Carol has worked as a therapeutic counsellor in a freelance capacity at our school for over 3 years. Carol has developed excellent relationships with all of the staff and children.

At school we have seen a huge impact on the children Carol has worked with. Carol‘s work isn’t about “solving or sorting” every child but, her sessions go a long way to giving the child the ability to work through their own problems and to be able to have strategies to cope better in life" LM

                                      Counselling Sessions

Counselling sessions are at a cost of £40phr, this allows time for your arrival, settling in time and check out. Prices are not necessarily set in stone, depending on individuals needs and circumstances.
 
Therapeutic Play / Counselling sessions and Family Support Services

An Initial referral/assessment is a very important part of the process which can take up to an hour at a cost of £25.00 (0ne off payment) This will be your choice as some people want to start therapy straight away.  Our informal meeting will help you to decide if my service will be beneficial to you and your child, and will also help you to determine, if you feel that I can meet your child's needs. This will give you opportunity to ask me any questions, alleviate any worry or concerns, and also help you think how you would like to move forward. We can discuss what the best options are for yourself and your child. Please allow a 45minutes for the assessment - Thank you.

Child between 8-17 - Therapeutic Play/ counselling sessions at £40ph - This service gives the child opportunity to talk about how they are feeling in a safe and confidential environment. The child is able to express feelings, thoughts and worries through various types of play which will be solely to meet the needs of your child.

Or you could choose a more holistic approach of Family Support.

Child between 4-18 year of age  
Family Support - £40.00 - This service offers a unique way of working which help supports parent/ care giver caring for the child. The process supports the child to express their thoughts and feelings that sometimes can be to difficult to make sense of when experiencing anxiety.

The support I'm offering is carried out in the child's own home where they feel safe and settled within there own surroundings. The work is a joint effort between the three parties, parents, child and therapist. This is discussed at the point of assessment. I will take into account your circumstances and we can decide what kind of support meets your families needs.

Are you experiencing a rift, or there's tension between you and your teen and would like some support? With consent from both individuals we can try find some common ground.

All services are in the strictest confidence and a contract will always be carried out explaining GDPR and consent sharing, protecting your confidentiality at all times

                                          "Do I need counselling?"
People often ask, ‘do you think I need counselling?’  It’s difficult to answer this. If someone tells you “you need counselling” it can make you feel that your problems must be really bad. The decision to see a private counsellor is always a matter of personal choice rather than something you “must” do.

A better question might be "would I benefit from counselling?" Many people, whatever their situation, have found counselling extremely helpful. It tends to be more useful, more effective and more successful if you have chosen to come because it feels like the right thing for you, rather than someone else telling you to go because you ‘need’ counselling.

                                         "Should my child see a therapist?"
Children and adolescents can often find themselves needing support to cope with a wide  range, and often complex social issues, such as family breakdown, emotional and  behavioural difficulties, health problems, bullying, abuse, bereavement and loss among lots of other  issues. These difficulties can also impact on the child's physical problems such as poor sleep, lack of appetite, social isolation, self harming behaviours, sometimes feeling alone and unable to cope.

                                          Benefits to therapeutic play.

• Allowing the Expression of Feelings
• Encouraging Creative Thoughts and New Ideas
• Allowing the Development of Healthy Decision-Making Skills
• Enabling the Communication of Problems and Concerns to Others
• Supporting the Learning of New Ways of Thinking and Behaving

If you wish to make an enquiry please ring or text me and I will return your call as promptly as I can.

Importance of play
We all need to be able to let someone know how we are feeling and what is going on inside of our minds. Often when children are struggling to find a way to connect with the people who love and care for them, or we as parents are struggling to make sense of our feelings.  Therapeutic play experiences can open a window and allow the child to begin to find a language which can develop better communication skills and creativity.

Skills for Playful Parenting

1. Making Time
Regular half hour slots of playtime with our children are ideal and so is a 5 or 10-minute bursts of your undivided attention and gives your child the wonderfully positive message that “I’m really interested in what’s important for you” and are the building blocks to your Childs Esteem.

2. Let Them Lead
Let your child be the director of their "play" and imagine yourself as an actor on their stage, and encourage by following their ideas.

3. Be Clear
Your child will nearly always want to play for longer than you are able 
Let your child know how long you have at the beginning

4. Be Curious
A parent taking an active interest in their child’s exploration, encourages the child to feel heard and understood

"Incredible Years" Author Carolyn Webster - Stratton PH.D