Child & Young Person Integrative Counselling

We are all unique with different ways of thinking and being, which is why integrative counselling can be a great choice for many children and young people. Integrative counselling uses a holistic approach, taking the individual’s experiences and needs into account. It involves using a range of different therapeutic approaches, with the therapist working collaboratively with the young person to choose the approach that best suits them, and the issues that they want to explore in therapy.

What does integrative counselling involve?

Integrative counselling often involves talking therapy, but it can also use many other techniques such as play, art, drama, music and writing, as well as employing a range of therapeutic approaches. It aims to help the young person understand the thoughts, emotions and triggers around the issues that they are having, using the most appropriate technique for them. It may also involve setting goals and looking at the impact of the past, what is happening in the present and the young person’s vision of their future.

What are the different therapeutic approaches?

Common therapeutic approaches used as part of integrative therapy include:

​​​​​​​Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – CBT focuses on the cyclical link between the way we think, feel and behave. It helps the young person to identify strategies to help break negative cycles as well as developing alternative ways of thinking about, responding to and managing their problems.

Person centred therapy – this assumes that we all have the capacity to change and develop. It places the young person at the centre of the process, with the counsellor taking the role of supporting the young person as they explore their issues. The counsellor offers the young person unconditional positive regard in a space without judgement.

Creative therapy – this uses a range of techniques including art, play, music, writing, story-telling, drama and roleplay, building on the young person’s interests and favoured way of expressing themselves.

Systemic therapy – this approach is often used in family therapy but can also be useful working with individuals. It looks at the systems and relationships within the young person’s life and the impact that they have.

Solution-focused therapy – this aims to promote positive change within the young person, rather focusing on past problems. It involves looking at what the client does well, setting realistic goals and developing strategies to help the young person achieve them.

What can integrative counselling help with?

Integrative therapy is appropriate for a range of mental health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, self-harm, depression, OCD, bereavement, trauma, anger management, abuse, family breakdown, poor self-esteem and problems around neurodiversity.