Child Counselling in Hassocks

Photo of Melanie Claxton - Dr Mel Claxton, Child Therapy Clinic, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Mel Claxton, Child Therapy Clinic
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
It is so hard to watch your child struggle, and despite your best efforts, remain unsure how to support them.
Whether they’re struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, school pressure, or friendships, I help young people build confidence and develop practical tools to manage their feelings. With 20 years of experience in mental health, I draw upon a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
It is so hard to watch your child struggle, and despite your best efforts, remain unsure how to support them.
Whether they’re struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, school pressure, or friendships, I help young people build confidence and develop practical tools to manage their feelings. With 20 years of experience in mental health, I draw upon a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
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Photo of Jess Whitbourn, Counsellor, MBACP
Jess Whitbourn
Counsellor, MBACP
Hi, I’m Jess I work with you, providing a warm and welcoming space. To meet you where you are, to understand what you need and to help you move forward Together, in this confidential and collaborative space, we work to understand the challenges you’re facing, to build greater self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence. In the sessions we work to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Hi, I’m Jess I work with you, providing a warm and welcoming space. To meet you where you are, to understand what you need and to help you move forward Together, in this confidential and collaborative space, we work to understand the challenges you’re facing, to build greater self-awareness, self-esteem and confidence. In the sessions we work to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
01273 964480 View 01273 964480
Photo of Jo Grigg, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Jo Grigg
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Through these experiences, I trained and worked with children (8+), as well as alongside qualified therapists as a qualified Supervisor.
At Jo Grigg Therapy, I offer a compassionate, confidential, and relaxed space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply seeking a safe place to be yourself, I’m here to provide that support and understand your needs. I take an integrative approach to therapy, combining Person-Centred Counselling with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you understand and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours. My goal is to meet you where you are and support you in making changes toward better mental health.
Through these experiences, I trained and worked with children (8+), as well as alongside qualified therapists as a qualified Supervisor.
At Jo Grigg Therapy, I offer a compassionate, confidential, and relaxed space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply seeking a safe place to be yourself, I’m here to provide that support and understand your needs. I take an integrative approach to therapy, combining Person-Centred Counselling with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you understand and challenge negative thoughts and behaviours. My goal is to meet you where you are and support you in making changes toward better mental health.
01273 092108 View 01273 092108
Photo of Lucy Francis, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Lucy Francis
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
I have also completed Continuous Professional Development in: Neurodivergent-Affirming Counselling Practice, Trauma Informed Practice, Bereavement Counselling in Palliative Care, Working with Children Young People and Families, Safeguarding and Discussing Racial Identity Respectfully.
I welcome the messy, confusing and contradictory parts of being human and believe that when someone feels genuinely heard, they begin to hear themselves more clearly too. What matters most to me is creating a relationship where you can exhale - where you don’t have to keep everything together, or hold your thoughts alone.
I have also completed Continuous Professional Development in: Neurodivergent-Affirming Counselling Practice, Trauma Informed Practice, Bereavement Counselling in Palliative Care, Working with Children Young People and Families, Safeguarding and Discussing Racial Identity Respectfully.
I welcome the messy, confusing and contradictory parts of being human and believe that when someone feels genuinely heard, they begin to hear themselves more clearly too. What matters most to me is creating a relationship where you can exhale - where you don’t have to keep everything together, or hold your thoughts alone.
01273 110793 View 01273 110793
Photo of Anna Hardy, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Anna Hardy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
At times life is tough and this can challenge our emotional health and well being, making us feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, angry or lacking in self esteem. You may be finding it difficult to put words to your current feelings or make any sense of what you are experiencing and this can be both frightening and isolating. I believe counselling can be a transformative and meaningful experience, with change made possible through a supportive therapeutic relationship, which helps us to move towards acceptance of self or empowerment to positive change. As such, I am dedicated to bringing about healing and growth in others.
At times life is tough and this can challenge our emotional health and well being, making us feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, angry or lacking in self esteem. You may be finding it difficult to put words to your current feelings or make any sense of what you are experiencing and this can be both frightening and isolating. I believe counselling can be a transformative and meaningful experience, with change made possible through a supportive therapeutic relationship, which helps us to move towards acceptance of self or empowerment to positive change. As such, I am dedicated to bringing about healing and growth in others.
01273 032500 View 01273 032500
Photo of Isabelle Loynes, Counsellor, MBACP
Isabelle Loynes
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I’m a psychotherapeutic counsellor, working from a peaceful cabin in BN1, surrounded by the calming presence of nature. I provide a nurturing space, where we will untangle the thoughts, feelings, or, experiences that have brought you to therapy. Together, we will build an understanding of your inner world, noticing why you might feel, think and do what you do. With this deeper understanding will come space to notice, acknowledge and grieve the things you haven’t felt able to in the past. Leaving you with a greater sense of self-awareness and the freedom to live life more authentically.
I’m a psychotherapeutic counsellor, working from a peaceful cabin in BN1, surrounded by the calming presence of nature. I provide a nurturing space, where we will untangle the thoughts, feelings, or, experiences that have brought you to therapy. Together, we will build an understanding of your inner world, noticing why you might feel, think and do what you do. With this deeper understanding will come space to notice, acknowledge and grieve the things you haven’t felt able to in the past. Leaving you with a greater sense of self-awareness and the freedom to live life more authentically.
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Photo of Dr Monika Urbanek, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Monika Urbanek
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with twenty years of experience supporting adults, children, and young people across the NHS and private settings.
As a child and adolescent psychologist, I also work with parents seeking support for their children and young people with anxiety, OCD, behavioural difficulties, autism, and learning disabilities. I offer a calm, containing space where young people and families can better understand their challenges, build coping skills, and create meaningful change together
I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with twenty years of experience supporting adults, children, and young people across the NHS and private settings.
As a child and adolescent psychologist, I also work with parents seeking support for their children and young people with anxiety, OCD, behavioural difficulties, autism, and learning disabilities. I offer a calm, containing space where young people and families can better understand their challenges, build coping skills, and create meaningful change together
01444 718285 View 01444 718285

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Julian Moorman, Psychotherapist, MSc, ACP
Julian Moorman
Psychotherapist, MSc, ACP
Hove BN3
I have substantial experience working with children and young people of all ages and their parents.
I offer interventions ranging from one-off assessments and consultations, to time-limited therapy and long-term psychotherapy. I would first encourage a brief, free telephone consultation to discuss the presenting problems, to answer any questions a parent or young person may have, and to consider arranging a meeting.
I have substantial experience working with children and young people of all ages and their parents.
I offer interventions ranging from one-off assessments and consultations, to time-limited therapy and long-term psychotherapy. I would first encourage a brief, free telephone consultation to discuss the presenting problems, to answer any questions a parent or young person may have, and to consider arranging a meeting.
01798 305228 View 01798 305228
Photo of Dr Adele Wybourn, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Adele Wybourn
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
I have a special interest in children and young people’s mental health, offering a range of bespoke child and adolescent treatments as well as ADHD and ASD assessments.
In addition, I offer individual psychological therapy to support young people and adults who are experiencing a range of different challenges such as: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and other challenges of everyday life.
I have a special interest in children and young people’s mental health, offering a range of bespoke child and adolescent treatments as well as ADHD and ASD assessments.
In addition, I offer individual psychological therapy to support young people and adults who are experiencing a range of different challenges such as: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and other challenges of everyday life.
01483 967183 View 01483 967183
Photo of Denita Zheleva, Counsellor, MA, PTUK
Denita Zheleva
Counsellor, MA, PTUK
I support children and young people with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, behavioural struggles, school difficulties, and developmental or neurodiversity-related challenges.
I offer Non-directive Play Therapy for children aged 3-12, a developmentally responsive, play-based mental health intervention. With teenagers 13-18, I use Play and Creative Therapy, combining relational and person-centred approaches. For parents and caregivers, I offer Filial Therapy, guiding them in how to use Play Therapy with their child.
I support children and young people with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, behavioural struggles, school difficulties, and developmental or neurodiversity-related challenges.
I offer Non-directive Play Therapy for children aged 3-12, a developmentally responsive, play-based mental health intervention. With teenagers 13-18, I use Play and Creative Therapy, combining relational and person-centred approaches. For parents and caregivers, I offer Filial Therapy, guiding them in how to use Play Therapy with their child.
01273 110354 View 01273 110354
Photo of Lukas Dressler, Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Lukas Dressler
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Hove BN3
I have more than 2000 hours of experience in providing short and long-term therapy for children, young people and their families (age range 6-25 years).
In therapy I aim to build a positive therapeutic relationship founded upon understanding and appreciation for the individual person and their circumstances. This enables me to work effectively in highly individualised, collaborative and creative ways to benefit clients. My therapeutic work is rooted in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
I have more than 2000 hours of experience in providing short and long-term therapy for children, young people and their families (age range 6-25 years).
In therapy I aim to build a positive therapeutic relationship founded upon understanding and appreciation for the individual person and their circumstances. This enables me to work effectively in highly individualised, collaborative and creative ways to benefit clients. My therapeutic work is rooted in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
01273 092128 View 01273 092128
Photo of Anna Bassett
Anna Bassett
Verified Verified
I work therapeutically with children, young people and adults in a gentle, empathic and warm way.
Play Therapy, especially non-directive play therapy is helpful for children, because it allows them to express themselves freely and without pressure to talk. I offer children a safe space which is non-judgemental and gives them opportunity to explore their emotions safely and gently through play.
I work therapeutically with children, young people and adults in a gentle, empathic and warm way.
Play Therapy, especially non-directive play therapy is helpful for children, because it allows them to express themselves freely and without pressure to talk. I offer children a safe space which is non-judgemental and gives them opportunity to explore their emotions safely and gently through play.
01243 957293 View 01243 957293
Photo of Michaela Sheppard, Counsellor, MBACP
Michaela Sheppard
Counsellor, MBACP
My practice is open to adults, adolescents and children.
For adults, therapy offers support, guidance and exploration to foster positive, lasting change. Together, we will learn about your needs, desires, and feelings so you can create positive changes in your life. This can help you achieve more intimacy, compassion, and understanding with yourself and those who are important to you.
My practice is open to adults, adolescents and children.
For adults, therapy offers support, guidance and exploration to foster positive, lasting change. Together, we will learn about your needs, desires, and feelings so you can create positive changes in your life. This can help you achieve more intimacy, compassion, and understanding with yourself and those who are important to you.
01323 409758 View 01323 409758
Photo of Stacey Medalyer, Counsellor, MBACP
Stacey Medalyer
Counsellor, MBACP
I also work with young people and children aged 7 - 18.
I have experience working with issues that include anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship / family issues, addiction, self-harm, depression, stress, sexual abuse, bereavement, loss and terminal illness. However, as a humanistic counsellor, I always work with an individual's unique experience.
I also work with young people and children aged 7 - 18.
I have experience working with issues that include anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship / family issues, addiction, self-harm, depression, stress, sexual abuse, bereavement, loss and terminal illness. However, as a humanistic counsellor, I always work with an individual's unique experience.
07973 185495 View 07973 185495
Photo of Faye Starr, Counsellor, BACP
Faye Starr
Counsellor, BACP
All children can experience trauma, abuse, loss, bullying, illness, family, relationship & friendship issues, gender curiosity, stress & loneliness etc.
I am an experienced and fully qualified (PG diploma, Level 7) integrative young person counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor specifically trained to work with 5-25 year olds, their families, and CYP therapists. I offer long-term and short-term individual therapy and supervision from my garden room in Warlingham, Surrey (near Croydon, Caterham and Purley) or online.
All children can experience trauma, abuse, loss, bullying, illness, family, relationship & friendship issues, gender curiosity, stress & loneliness etc.
I am an experienced and fully qualified (PG diploma, Level 7) integrative young person counsellor, psychotherapist and supervisor specifically trained to work with 5-25 year olds, their families, and CYP therapists. I offer long-term and short-term individual therapy and supervision from my garden room in Warlingham, Surrey (near Croydon, Caterham and Purley) or online.
07403 936060 View 07403 936060
Photo of Danielle Jackson - Jackson Psychology Services - Dr Danielle Jackson, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Jackson Psychology Services - Dr Danielle Jackson
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I have worked with people to help them manage a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, OCD, panic and phobias as well as work-related stress, sleep problems, anger, low self-esteem, trauma, child sexual abuse, rape, relationship difficulties, Looked After Children and perinatal work including perinatal loss.
I take an integrative approach to formulating and working with clients drawing from a range of psychological models and theories to find the best way forward to help clients to achieve their goals. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is an important factor in creating an environment that fosters change, hope, acceptance and understanding.
I have worked with people to help them manage a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, OCD, panic and phobias as well as work-related stress, sleep problems, anger, low self-esteem, trauma, child sexual abuse, rape, relationship difficulties, Looked After Children and perinatal work including perinatal loss.
I take an integrative approach to formulating and working with clients drawing from a range of psychological models and theories to find the best way forward to help clients to achieve their goals. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is an important factor in creating an environment that fosters change, hope, acceptance and understanding.
07588 281035 View 07588 281035
Photo of Amanda Copeland - changing-futures, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
changing-futures
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
I have a wide range of experience in NHS Mental Health Services and I am experienced with both adults and children, adolescents, couples and families in the delivery of evidence based psychological Interventions.
Cognitive analytic therapy is a structured approach that explores relationships, past and present and some of the relationship dynamics that we may get caught up in which affect our ways of relating to ourselves and others. It is time limited and change focused and combines different therapeutic traditions (cognitive and analytic models) in a helpful way.
I have a wide range of experience in NHS Mental Health Services and I am experienced with both adults and children, adolescents, couples and families in the delivery of evidence based psychological Interventions.
Cognitive analytic therapy is a structured approach that explores relationships, past and present and some of the relationship dynamics that we may get caught up in which affect our ways of relating to ourselves and others. It is time limited and change focused and combines different therapeutic traditions (cognitive and analytic models) in a helpful way.
01273 092270 View 01273 092270
Photo of Dr Liz Saunders, Psychotherapist, MBBS, MBABCP
Dr Liz Saunders
Psychotherapist, MBBS, MBABCP
Hi. I'm Dr. Liz Saunders. I'm a qualified doctor and CBT therapist working in West Sussex. I originally trained as a Psychiatrist and I have been working with people with emotional problems for 20 years. I have extensive experience in using CBT for many different types of problems and with people of all ages, however, many of my clients are young people who are struggling with anxiety or confidence issues at college, university or work or with difficult interpersonal relationships. I have a particular interest in helping young people to reach their full potential academically and professionally and in their lives more generally.
Hi. I'm Dr. Liz Saunders. I'm a qualified doctor and CBT therapist working in West Sussex. I originally trained as a Psychiatrist and I have been working with people with emotional problems for 20 years. I have extensive experience in using CBT for many different types of problems and with people of all ages, however, many of my clients are young people who are struggling with anxiety or confidence issues at college, university or work or with difficult interpersonal relationships. I have a particular interest in helping young people to reach their full potential academically and professionally and in their lives more generally.
07380 316858 View 07380 316858
Photo of Toni Clarke, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Toni Clarke
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
You may have had experience of counselling or therapy , or none at all. Sometimes it is hard to make the first step into talking therapy. You may be feeling that it could be helpful to have some time to talk about what is going on in your life, about feelings of loss, unhappiness, anxiety or maybe that things are just not 'right'. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are particularly difficult at this time. Working with the right counsellor can help to work through issues from the past , present day problems or looking towards the future and what you may want to change in your life.
You may have had experience of counselling or therapy , or none at all. Sometimes it is hard to make the first step into talking therapy. You may be feeling that it could be helpful to have some time to talk about what is going on in your life, about feelings of loss, unhappiness, anxiety or maybe that things are just not 'right'. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are particularly difficult at this time. Working with the right counsellor can help to work through issues from the past , present day problems or looking towards the future and what you may want to change in your life.
01260 542103 View 01260 542103
Photo of Jane Barnfield Jukes - The Practice, Psychotherapist, MBACP
The Practice
Psychotherapist, MBACP
We can all have difficulties in everyday life and encounter problems that we simply find hard to cope with alone. You may feel worried, anxious, low, confused, isolated or may be experience difficulties in relationships. You may be suffering from feelings of low self esteem or low self confidence. You may have been diagnosed with anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, or maybe you are just feeling sad. When these feelings and thoughts persist and become overwhelming it may be difficult to know which way to turn.
We can all have difficulties in everyday life and encounter problems that we simply find hard to cope with alone. You may feel worried, anxious, low, confused, isolated or may be experience difficulties in relationships. You may be suffering from feelings of low self esteem or low self confidence. You may have been diagnosed with anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, or maybe you are just feeling sad. When these feelings and thoughts persist and become overwhelming it may be difficult to know which way to turn.
07480 486415 View 07480 486415
Child Counsellors
Do I need to attend therapy with my child?
Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.

How long are sessions with child therapists?
Children’s therapy sessions can last 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. The length of the session may depend on your child’s age and the type of therapy practiced. You can discuss this with therapists you consult and the one you ultimately move forward with.

How do I get a child to agree to seek therapy?
The best approach is to have an open-ended conversation with your child about how they’re doing and what they might be struggling with. When you raise therapy, discuss the concept in an age-appropriate way, for example explaining that a therapist’s job is to help kids handle their hard or uncomfortable feelings. Frame therapy positively, as an opportunity to explore and build emotional skills—it’s an important tool in the toolbox to help kids feel their best.

How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?
A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.