Forum Topic

Counselor needed

I need a kind and professional and approachable counselor for my son who is 16. He is feeling a bit lost but finds it hard to talk to us. Can anyone suggest someone please? Thanks

Penny Crocker ● 5847d8 Comments

We all need someone independant to validate our feelings and help us make sense of things. So good luck whether there is teh right sort of help. maybe kidscape would know. I have just started some bereavement counselling and have found it helpful. teenagers have it really hard and so they need all the help. neither child nor grown up and yet they are grown up and a child. teen to me is inbetween and really they and us can not win at that stage. it is difficult to remember teenage years as there is much embarassment attached to it. a good family friend who is independant and trusted by your son may be helpful to get the ball rolling. That person must also be prepared to keep things from you if your son wants them to be. my niece enjoyed that with my late girlfriend and so it was a great help all round.

Peter Chadburn ● 5847d

I'm afraid I can't suggest a therapist but can suggest the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy which has an online search facility to help you find an appropriately qualified therapist in your area -  http://wam.bacp.co.uk/wam/SeekTherapist.exe?NEWSEARCH or just go to www.bacp.co.uk and click on the Find a Therapist button on the right hand navigation.

David Highton ● 5847d

You can also try this link to find counselors who specialise in the various areas of therapy and by location. www.counselling-directory.org.uk

Charles Campbell ● 5847d

Another good source is the BPS (British Psychological Society)  www.bps.org.uk

Charles Campbell ● 5847d

Thanks to all of you for your helpful replies. Peter, I'm glad the bereavement counselor is helping you.

Penny Crocker ● 5846d

Does he have a godparent?I think that's a very good role for them: an adult who will listen and be on their side come what may. Offers continuity and good value too.

Sara Nathan ● 5846d

No, he is godparentless - we are not religious. He does talk a lot to his older sister normally but on this occasion he seems reluctant. I think an external person would be best really.

Penny Crocker ● 5846d

I think there is a lot to be said for godparents even in an irreligious sense - my kids don't have them cos jews don't really, but my godson, son of card-carrying Anglican establishment members and just back from his second tour in Afghanistan - has an Anglican, a Catholic a Jew and I think a Hindu (or was it an atheist?)He's in his late twenties so I can't recall. Anyhow we were exploited ruthlessly for RE homework and later as sounding boards when there was strife with the parents.

Sara Nathan ● 5845d