How counselling helps children

Children and young people can feel overwhelmed by emotions that seem out of control - anxiety, anger, sadness, confusion. Counselling gives them the tools to reflect, understand themselves better, and develop their own ways of managing difficult feelings.

Counselling at Kids' Therapy Works can help children and young people experiencing:

• Anxiety and worry

• Low mood or depression

• Bereavement and loss

• Trauma

• Bullying

• Difficulties with friendships and relationships

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Family changes such as separation or divorce

• Identity and sense of self

• Emotional difficulties linked to additional needs or disability

For families already receiving physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language therapy with us, counselling can support the emotional side of your child's journey - because physical progress and emotional wellbeing go hand in hand.

About Ellen

Ellen Laughlin holds an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Essex, with a specialist focus on children and adolescents. She also has a First Class Honours degree in Psychology and is a published researcher in the field.

Before joining Kids' Therapy Works, Ellen worked as a school counsellor supporting adolescents with a wide range of challenges including trauma, bereavement, bullying, and identity. She also has experience as a support worker with Autism Anglia, giving her a deep understanding of neurodivergent young people and their families.

Ellen's warm, empathic approach helps children feel at ease from the very first session. She believes that every child deserves to be heard and understood.

What to expect

Initial session

Your child's first session is an opportunity for Ellen to get to know your child and understand what's brought them to counselling. She'll talk with you as parents about your concerns and your child's background, and spend time with your child in a relaxed, pressure-free setting.

Ongoing sessions

Sessions are tailored to your child's age and needs. Ellen uses age-appropriate techniques to help children express themselves — through conversation, creative activities, and play where appropriate. Sessions are confidential, with regular check-ins with parents to discuss progress and any concerns.

Session length and booking

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes. All sessions are booked and paid for in advance through our online booking system. To book your child's first session, book online or call us on 01206 212 849.

Where we offer counselling

Counselling takes place at our clinic at Lakelands Community Centre, Stanway - a calm, welcoming space designed for talking therapy. For families already attending our Copford clinic, or Lakelands, for other therapies, this means your child's care remains within the Kids' Therapy Works family.

Why choose Kids' Therapy Works for counselling?

Our counselling service sits within a multi-disciplinary team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and a speech and language therapist. This means that if your child's emotional wellbeing is connected to physical challenges, additional needs, or difficulties at school, we can offer a joined-up approach that most standalone counsellors cannot.

We understand the pressures families face — because many of our team have personal as well as professional experience of supporting children with additional needs.