'Children are like flowers, they bloom at different times.'

Jo Whalley Counselling Services offers counselling and therapeutic play for children, young people and adults.

Schools are well aware that if a student is experiencing emotional distress or low self-esteem it can be difficult for them to learn and achieve.

Mental health issues can effect all aspects of both an individual’s life and those around them. Our service provides play-therapy/counselling to support children to work through complex issues, some of which are listed below, in a confidential, non-judgmental, safe space, by specially trained and experienced staff.

JWCS can offer a range of therapeutic interventions to help the individual gain some control over his/her life and start to fulfil their learning and life’s potential. We will consult with you to develop a system that will meet the needs of your pupils and your educational setting, as well as helping to identify any child protection concerns or issues. Our aim is to provide a service that is easily accessible and not hindered by layers of bureaucracy.

Children, young people or adults who come for counselling are often experiencing a wide range of difficulties.
Some of these might include:

• Behavioural problems at school/home
• Abuse
• Bereavement and loss
• Bullying
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Neglect
• Underachievement
• Self-harming
• Sad and hopeless feelings for no apparent reason
• Anger or over reaction
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Anxiety/feeling overly worried
• Being constantly worried about their parent or caregiver or family member
• Feeling isolated/lonely
• Decline in relationships at school
• Losing interest in everyday activities
• Poor concentration
• Persistent nightmares and intrusive thoughts

Play therapy can help your pupils enjoy and achieve, feel safe, feel more positive and make a valuable contribution to school and their lives.

With one in eight 5 to 19 year olds in the UK estimated to meet the criteria for a mental health disorder, the research provides critical evidence for schools considering expansion of their mental health services.  The study by The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health (2021) also found pupils who were offered counselling experienced significantly improved self-esteem, as well as large increases in their achievement of personal goals.

Jo Whalley Counselling Service offers counselling in the school setting to enable both staff and pupils to work through their concerns in a safe, non-judgmental environment with qualified and experienced counsellors.  This ensures both staff and pupils address their concerns before it becomes too overwhelming and they need to take time off work or out of the classroom.  This pro-active approach shows that schools value and place the well-being of their staff and students at the forefront of their agenda and it also means staff continuity for pupils, whilst saving money on supply staff and reducing absenteeism.