Louise Tantam Children and Young Person’s Counsellor.

I began work as a teacher and spent more than twenty years working in education. During this time, and especially in my role as SENCO, I noticed the impact a child’s mental health had on their ability to enjoy life, develop their full potential and form meaningful relationships. This led me to train as a Children and Young Person’s Counsellor with Place2Be. I am an integrative counsellor. This means I can tailor the counselling style to fit the needs and preferences of a child or young person. Attachment theory informs the way I develop a safe and trusting relationship with a child. Most of my work is child led play therapy, informed by Person Centred and Psycho-Analytical approaches. In a safe environment, alongside as adult they trust, children express their inner thoughts and feelings through the metaphor of play. Puppets, painting, construction toys, house play, small world play, board games and sand play are  important  mediums through which children feel free to explore how the world feels to them. Play therapy provides a safe way for children to express and explore strong emotions. It can provide healing for a child who has experienced hurt or pain. I also use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focussed or psycho-educational techniques with older children. This takes the form of more traditional talking therapy. It allows young people to explore and understand feelings and reactions to problems they face. It helps them to develop resilience by changing unhelpful behaviours. The work also leads to them understanding the importance of self care alongside placing value and belief in themselves. Areas of Counselling Support Include:- Relationship Difficulties Anxiety and Stress Anger management Phobias Self Image/ Self Esteem Experience of Trauma Bereavement Family Breakup Coping with Change