Susan Bidmead

Hello, my name is Sue Bidmead and I offer a specialist person-centred counselling service for children and young people.  Individual sessions are more usual but I also meet with clients in pairs or small groups, if and when required, appropriate and useful.  Many young people struggle to manage the complexity, difficulties and challenges of their lives; with friends and peers, in the community, in education, employment or at home.  Issues or events that young people or children are experiencing or have experienced, can affect their mental health and well-being and this is particularIy relevant at this current time.  I have extensive experience of working in educational settings, in the tertiary sector as a college counsellor, and in primary and secondary schools; providing training and support for teachers and school staff in social and emotional aspects of learning, as well as with children referred to a specialist support service.  I bring this experience and understanding to my counselling and feel this enables me to more fully meet the needs of children and families.  As an environmental educationist I understand the value of nature in promoting health and well-being, so providing outdoor sessions is also an element of my practice, when possible and desirable.   

I use a blend of therapeutic, client-led and solution-oriented approaches.  My approach is trauma and attachment informed enabling children to connect and feel emotionally held.  I offer a safe space where young people are able to express themselves, to explore and make sense of their experiences, without feeling judged, or being told what to do; in confidence - unless a disclosure indicates a serious risk to safety.  I help children and young people who may be struggling with a wide range of issues, including; depression and low mood, anxiety and panic, bereavement and loss, self-worth and confidence, body image, sexuality, bullying, self-harm, anger, loneliness and isolation. Counselling is not always about talking!  Other creative, eco-therapeutic or psycho-educational approaches may help a child or young person to understand and express themselves more fully.  As a person-centred practitioner I offer a unique blended experience for each client. Research suggests that online and telephone counselling can be equally as successful as face to face therapy and I am aware that young people may prefer to work in this way.  I am trained and experienced, (BACP approved cert.), to provide this when required.  When I am able to offer face to face sessions, I offer a comfortable and discrete setting with convenient onsite parking available.  I can also provide therapy in other, agreed settings, subject to discussion.

We will agree, over the phone or online, how the initial session is to be arranged.  Children and teenagers attend the initial session with a parent or caregiver and the format for ongoing therapy is discussed, with regular reviews and feedback agreed where required.  The limits of confidentiality are explained and questions or concerns addressed.  Clients aged 18-25 may choose to attend the initial session with a trusted friend, adult or family member, or, may wish to attend on their own.  The first session provides an opportunity to take the first steps in getting to know each other, discuss reasons for entering into therapy, explore expectations and what the child or young person would like to achieve.  An assessment measure is undertaken at the first session and may be used during and at the end of counselling to evaluate therapeutic efficacy.  If counselling is taking place online or by phone, arrangements will be agreed for the child or young person's counselling to take place in a home space which allows confidentiality, safety and quiet with adequate technology provided.