Counselling is an important way to search out a new perspective on problems that may be causing people distress. It is about helping someone explore their feelings and relationships more effectively, giving them an opportunity to look at issues in depth and gain a much clearer understanding.

Delivered by our team of qualified, experienced counsellors at Caledonia Youth and specially tailored for young people, this aspect of our work has seen the largest growth in any of our services. We deliver counselling in a range of settings to help reduce some of the barriers young people can face when accessing services – quite often transport-related if in rural areas or simply not having enough money for fares.

Our counsellors work closely with young clients to help them explore their feelings and relationships more effectively and get a new perspective on problems that may be causing distress. We cover many different topics from relationship difficulties, low self esteem, risk taking behaviour and sexual abuse, to sexuality, contraception and pregnancy issues. It is not about telling them what to do – it is about helping to find a solution that is right for them.

Confidentiality

Our counsellors comply with the ethical framework and practice promoted by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Everything that is discussed and explained in the counselling session is treated with the strictest confidence treated with the strictest confidence and with clear explanations of child protection.

For more details on BACP, visit:
http://www.bacp.co.uk

For more details on COSCA, the national, the professional organisation for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland, visit:
http://www.cosca.org.uk

The counselling process

• What concerns someone may have
• If counselling can help
• If they would be better supported by another department or agency
• If they can commit to the counselling sessions

At the end of the initial meeting, a number of appointments will be arranged if our young client and counsellor are in agreement that this is the right route for them. Sessions last up to 50 minutes with a time and date allocated that suits each person.

Counselling is also available to all young women, and their partners if they choose, following a positive pregnancy test and those under 16 years who access emergency contraception on three or more occasions in a year. All are routinely offered counselling to further explore risk taking behaviour including relationships, decision making and negotiation skills.

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