Children & Youth Counselling

Home - Counselling - Children & Youth Counselling

Understanding Child & Youth Counselling

Child Counselling can help support children and youth through life’s challenges. It offers a safe place for young minds to process emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies.

From academic pressures to family conflicts, counselling addresses a range of issues. It also helps children manage mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma. By fostering open communication and providing guidance, child counselling empowers young individuals to thrive.

When Should You Consider Counselling for Your Child

Significant changes from normal behavioural baseline:

Your child has been observed to be behaving differently as compared to previously and that is not developmentally appropriate. For example, a chirpy child suddenly withdraws from interaction/activities (i.e. doesn’t want to go to school; or a significant decline in Child’s academic performance).
When your child talks about himself/herself in a negative manner

When there is a big or sudden shift in family dynamics (i.e. divorce, separation, loss of family member), and when parents feel loss in navigating this change with children.

This could look like a communication breakdown between yourself and your child, leading to more disruptive/aggressive behaviours or distancing behaviours

Hence, it may be useful to take steps forward to address any underlying issues that may be existing to provide your child with the necessary support by equipping them with the necessary coping strategies during trying times.

Common Challenges Faced by Children

Children navigate a world filled with unique experiences and emotions. Some common issues they may encounter include:

Family Changes:

Divorce, separation, or the loss of a loved one can be particularly difficult for children to process.

Bullying and Peer Pressure:

Negative interactions with peers can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem and social development.

Academic Struggles:

Difficulties in school can lead to frustration, low self-confidence, and behavioural issues.

Emotional and Behavioural Challenges:

Anxiety, depression, and anger management issues can affect a child’s overall well-being.

Special Educational Needs:

ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Developmental Delays, may also have an affect on the child’s psycho-socio-emotional development.

Trauma and Abuse:

Exposure to traumatic events, neglect, or abuse can have long-lasting consequences.

Note:

You will need to accompany your child or youth for the first session. Our counsellor will decide to see your child/youth alone or jointly with you for subsequent sessions.

For younger children who may find it hard to describe their inner state verbally, expressive art, music, body movement or play can
be used.

How Counselling For Children and / or Youths Can Help

Child counselling offers a range of benefits for young individuals by providing a safe and supportive environment where they can develop essential life skills and overcome challenges.

Emotional Regulation And Resilience

Children are guided to understand and manage their emotions effectively. They learn healthy coping mechanisms, build resilience, and develop a positive outlook on life.

Improved Communication And Relationships

Through counselling, children can improve their communication skills, leading to better relationships with peers, family, and teachers. They learn to express their needs and feelings assertively.

Self-Esteem And Confidence Building

Children are empowered to believe in themselves and their abilities. Through addressing negative self-talk and building self-worth, children can develop a stronger sense of identity.

Relieving Academic Success

Counselling can help children and youth manage academic stress by providing them with coping strategies, emotional support, and tools to improve time management and self-confidence. It creates a safe space for them to express their concerns, reducing anxiety and fostering resilience.

Overcoming Challenges

Children are allowed to process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and find healing.

If you sense that your child is struggling, child counselling can offer the compassionate support and tools they need to thrive.

Children and youths today can face difficulties managing family conflicts, peer or school stress, and behavioural issues, which might make communication with them challenging. As they grow, they may also struggle with self-expectations, leading to feelings of anxiety, withdrawal, or rebelliousness..

During such times, it’s natural to feel at a loss as a caregiver, especially when it seems like nothing is working. However, reaching out for professional help can be a constructive step towards overcoming these challenges..

Speaking with a counsellor can offer your child or youth a safe space to express their inner thoughts and feelings. This supportive environment can help them develop effective coping strategies and navigate their challenges with greater resilience.

Why Choose EMCC for Your Child?

We understand that your child’s well-being is your top priority. Here’s why EMCC is the right choice for your family:

Experienced And Caring Counsellors

Our team of experienced counsellors are specially trained to work with children. They create a safe and friendly environment where your child can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Fun And Engaging Sessions

We believe that counselling can be a positive experience. Our sessions are designed to be fun and interactive, making it easier for your child to open up and learn new skills.

Tailored Support

Every child is unique, and so are their needs. Our counsellors create personalised plans to address your child’s specific challenges and help them reach their full potential.

A Brighter Future

By choosing EMCC, you’re prioritising your child’s happiness and success. We’ll work together to build their confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.

Play Therapy

Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that works with children between ages 3 – 12 as children may not have the verbal ability to bring out their inner world and issues they are grappling with. Instead, they use toys as their words and may play out what they are feeling and experiencing.

Play Therapy may be helpful in a variety of circumstances, such as facing medical procedures, palliative care, problematic behaviours in school, family issues (like divorce, separation, or death of a close family member), aggressive behaviours, violence and abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem.

The parent’s role in Play Therapy is vital. The Play Therapist will meet both parents (or at least the parent who will bring the child for the therapy sessions) for the first session. Your involvement as parents in the process of play therapy will bring more positive outcomes for your child. The Play Therapist will have regular check-ins with you for update and feedback on how to help your child outside of the playroom.

SPEAK TO OUR THERAPIST TODAY!

FAQs about Children & Youth Counselling

1. Does my child need my consent for child counselling in Singapore?

Generally, yes. Parental or guardian consent is usually required for children under 18 to undergo counselling sessions. However, there are exceptions, such as when the child is considered mature enough to make their own decisions or if there’s an immediate risk to their safety.

2. Will the counsellor share the outcomes of the counselling sessions with me?

Open communication between the counsellor, child, and parent is essential for effective child counselling in Singapore. While confidentiality is important, counsellors will typically share updates on your child’s progress, but only with your consent.

3. What happens if the counsellor finds that my involvement is critical to the counselling process?

If our counsellors believe that parental involvement is crucial to the child’s progress, they may recommend family counselling sessions or suggest ways for you to support your child’s therapy. Open communication and collaboration between parents and counsellors are key.

4. Will my child improve after the counselling sessions?

The outcome of youth counselling in Singapore varies depending on your child’s specific needs and circumstances. While improvement is often seen, it’s important to remember that therapy is a process that requires time and commitment. Positive changes can be gradual but significant.