Counselling for 11-17 year olds

Four friends enjoying time together outdoors.

creating a safe space

I offer counselling for young people aged 11–17 in Epsom, Surrey, as well as online sessions for those who prefer to meet from home. My aim is to create a space where young people feel safe, respected, and able to talk openly at their own pace. Sessions can be calm and reflective, creative and playful, or a mix of both.

Every young person is different, so the way we work together depends on what helps them feel most at ease. Some prefer talking, others feel more comfortable with games, drawing, craft, music, or simply having quiet time to settle. The focus is always on helping them feel grounded, understood, and supported.

Two women sitting on a sofa drinking tea.

how i can help

Young people come to counselling for many reasons, and I can support those experiencing:

anxiety, worry or overwhelm
low mood or feeling “flat”
school, exam or friendship stress
challenges linked to ADHD, autism or masking
identity, confidence and self‑esteem concerns
emotional regulation, shutdowns or outbursts
feeling different, isolated or out of place
family changes or life transitions

I aim to offer a safe, confidential space where they can explore what’s happening in their world and begin to feel more equipped to navigate it.

Please see the FAQ's below for more info.

Next Steps

Getting Started

Before we begin working together, I ask parents/caregivers to complete a short enquiry form telling me a little about what's going on for your child, what's prompted you to look into counselling now, and your general availability for sessions.

Once I've read this through, I'll let you know if:

I don't feel I'm the right fit for what you're describing
I'm not able to accommodate your availability

That way, you're not left waiting before finding this out.

Parent/Caregiver Intake Session

If it feels like your child and I may be a good fit, we'll arrange a Parent/Caregiver Intake Session. This is an important part of the assessment process before I can begin working with a young person. This is a dedicated session for parents and caregivers, without your child present, and it gives us proper time to:

talk through your child’s history
explore what you’re hoping counselling will help with
agree how we will work together going forward
ask me anything you are unsure about
receive any initial guidance that might be helpful before therapy begins, as our contact will usually be more limited once sessions start

The session can take place in person, giving you the chance to see the space your child will be coming to for their sessions, or online if that is easier for you.

The fee for this 60‑minute appointment is £60.

I will also encourage you to join your child for the start of their first counselling session if that feels helpful.

You can begin the process, or ask any questions first, using the form or WhatsApp button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

how do i know if my child would benefit from counselling?

Some young people come to counselling when they’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or unsure how to cope with school, friendships, or changes at home. Others might show shifts in mood, behaviour, or confidence. Sometimes, your child may even ask to see a counsellor themselves, which can be a clear sign they’re ready for support.

How do I know my child will be safe with you?

Your child’s safety and wellbeing sit at the heart of my work. As part of Counselling with Jemma, operating within FC Family Ltd, I follow a clear and robust Safeguarding & Information‑Sharing Policy, which you can find attached below.

I hold an enhanced DBS check, and all sessions take place in a private, dedicated therapy space. During your child’s time with me, no other adults enter the room, and I work with a no‑touch policy to maintain clear, consistent professional boundaries. These practices help create an environment where emotional and physical safety are protected at all times.

Alongside these foundations, I take time to build trust at your child’s pace. Sessions may include talking, games, craft, music, or other creative approaches that help them feel grounded, comfortable, and understood. Every child is different, and the therapeutic space adapts to what helps them feel most at ease.

If you ever have questions or would like to understand more about how I keep children safe in therapy, I’m always happy to discuss this further.

You can read my full Safeguarding & Information‑Sharing Policy at the bottom of this page.

How long will my child need counselling?

Every young person is different. Some benefit from short‑term support, while others prefer longer‑term therapy. We review progress together to make sure the work continues to feel helpful.

Is it normal to feel unsure about sending my child to therapy?

Yes...completely! Many parents feel a mix of worry, hope, and uncertainty when taking this step. You want to support your child, but it can still feel like a big decision. I’ve written a blog post that explores this in more depth: It’s Okay to Feel Unsure: Helping Your Child Begin Counselling. It offers gentle guidance for navigating those feelings and understanding what the first steps often look like

what are your session fees?

Session fees for under‑18s are £60 for a 50‑minute session.

Counselling with Jemma

Counselling for Adults and Young People in Epsom, Surrey and Online

Counselling for 11-17 year olds

creating a safe space

how i can help

Next Steps

get in touch

Counselling with Jemma

Frequently Asked Questions

Safeguarding & Information Sharing Policy

Counselling with Jemma

Counselling for Adults and Young People in Epsom, Surrey and Online

Counselling for 11-17 year olds

creating a safe space

how i can help

Next Steps

get in touch

Counselling with Jemma

Frequently Asked Questions

Safeguarding & Information Sharing Policy

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