Information to young people about counselling
If you are over 14 you can contact our service confidentially.
Your parents/family splitting up and having fights all the time, can be really hard. You can feel so down at times you can't pay attention in class, you don't feel like going out with your mates, or you can get really angry with it all. Having step-parents, step-siblings in the mix, or not getting to see a parent/grandparent/sibling as much as you would like to, can be hard, too.
Speaking to someone about stuff like this isn't easy; everybody you know is either involved somehow or you don't want to bother them with how you are feeling. Your pals might or might not know about how you are feeling. How do you bring it up with them, anyway?? There are adults who can be there for you, like a teacher, a coach or a guidance teacher but sometimes they can be stuck with how to really help you.
A counsellor is an adult who can help you because this is their job. They aren't connected to you through school, football training or dance practice, or other ways. They don't think you are being silly, they are here to hear how you are in all that's been happening.
If you want to meet with a counsellor to talk about stuff, it is between you and them, your parents are not told about what you speak about. If you are in danger or if the counsellor thinks you or another young person are at risk of being hurt somehow, they may have to share that with someone else, but they will try to speak to you about it, first.
Please don't worry, we won't ask you to pay anything to see a Counsellor.
Counselling can be done online or face to face in Dundee or Glenrothes.
What happens when you meet the Counsellor
You don't need to talk about heavy stuff straight away if you are scared or worried. You can just play games, paint or draw something, or talk about school or something you like doing, like a hobby or something. This way you can find out if you like the Counsellor, and if you feel comfortable with them. Then it is up to you to share with them what is bothering you. You can meet them around 6-8 times but if you don't want to, you can just say. If you want to see them for longer, they will speak to you about that, and if you both agree then that's okay, too. One meeting lasts 50 minutes, but it can be shorter initially, if needed. This can be online if the Counsellor and you both agree that this is okay.
How other young people have felt after speaking to a Counsellor
Some have said they felt very relieved like a weight fell off their shoulders. Others have said they felt better about themselves, and didn't feel as down. Others have said they felt calmer and more able to pay attention in class. Or not be bothered by small things anymore, and they don't fall out with mates or at home as much.
