Justine Walsh

My practice is based in St. Albans in a privately rented room. The space is safe and confidential. I offer sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. 

As a parent/carer, seeking support for your child can sometimes feel daunting or overwhelming. By searching for a counsellor, you are taking the first step and I would very much welcome hearing from you.

I am a qualified integrative counsellor who specialises in working with children and young people aged 4 to 18 years of age.

As an integrative counsellor, I use a holistic approach drawing on different models of therapy to tailor support for the individual needs of the young people I work with.

I have over 10 years’ experience of working with children, young people and families in a variety of roles and settings. My experience as a counsellor includes working in schools, a trauma centre, parent consultations, public talks and private practice.

Experiencing problems or difficulties can impact on our feelings, behaviour, relationships and ability to engage in learning and growing - children and young people are no different! Poor mental health can cause disruptions to a child’s life and without appropriate support it can stay with them throughout their adult life, affecting their long-term wellbeing and ability to reach their full potential.

Sometimes it is difficult to speak to people we feel closest too for lots of different reasons including not wanting to upset or worry them. Counselling offers a child a regular, private safe space to express and explore any worries and difficult feelings.

I use talking, play and creativity as therapeutic tools to allow my clients to express themselves in different ways however, there is no pressure on clients to use all or any of these specific tools. We use the time and space together in a way that feels comfortable and safe for them to process their feelings and make sense of their experiences. 

Occasionally, there may be a more specific issue in relation to your child which you are unsure how to manage. For example, supporting them through a parent/carer separation or managing their transition to childcare or school. I offer parent/carer consultations when suitable as an alternative intervention to support you and your child. 

Firstly, we can organise an initial telephone or Zoom call, free of charge, to explore what support you feel your child or teenager needs. We can discuss any initial questions or concerns you may have. There will be no obligation to commit to any sessions.

If you decide that I am the right fit, we can organise for me to meet with your child to carry out a consultation and begin working together on a weekly basis.