The Moving On Project
How Can I Best Support My Child?
This guide is for parents, carers, siblings, and friends supporting young people through the counselling process.
What is Counselling? How Can It Support Young People?
Counselling is a “talking therapy” – a way of supporting people (of any age) to deal with personal problems that negatively impact their emotional wellbeing.
Young people might seek counselling to address a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bereavement
- Self-esteem issues
- Relationship difficulties
- Self-harm
- Bullying
- Friendship problems
Why Trust and Relationship Matter
For counselling to be effective, a trusting relationship must develop between the counsellor and the client. This helps the client express how they feel, explore underlying causes, and work toward strategies for positive change.
Counselling is non-judgemental. Counsellors listen and support the client in making their own, independent decisions. They don’t give advice or tell clients what to do.
Sometimes counselling is short-term and “solution-focused.” In other cases, longer-term counselling may be needed and might be revisited when the young person feels ready to tackle deeper issues.
Will They Talk About Our Family?
Yes, and that’s okay. Many young people naturally want to talk about their families, particularly relationships with parents, carers, or siblings. This exploration can be helpful for them in understanding how they relate to those closest to them and what changes they may want to make.
It's important for young people to feel free to talk about anything bothering them. While this might feel uncomfortable for parents or carers, counselling is a confidential space. No one is judged or blamed—it's solely about helping the young person feel heard and supported.
Can I Know What My Child Is Saying?
Counselling is private. The relationship between a counsellor and a young person is built on trust and confidentiality.
Some young people may choose to share what was discussed in their sessions, while others may not. Either way, it’s important to be respectful and supportive. If your child seems upset after a session, being present and available can make a big difference. They’ll share if and when they’re ready.
You know your child best and will likely have a sense of how much they’re comfortable discussing. Counselling is just a small part of their week—your support outside the sessions is just as important.
Can I Talk to the Counsellor?
We ask our counsellors not to speak with parents directly unless the young person gives their explicit consent. This shows the young person that their privacy is respected and helps build trust.
It’s completely normal to have questions or want updates—but without consent, the counsellor cannot share session details. With consent, they may speak with you occasionally and offer suggestions on how to support your child. However, the content of the sessions will still remain confidential.