Information for parents or carers
In this leaflet we have asked your child to think about the things they would like to be different. We would also ask that you consider the following questions before you meet with us:
- What are your ideas about what you think is going on?
- What would you like to change?
- What changes might you need to make to help your child?
- Who else might need to make some changes other than you and your child?
- What changes have you made already? Have these been helpful or unhelpful?
- How can you help to get the best out of your child? What are your child’s strengths?
Although it is your child that we have been asked to see, our experience tells us that working with children in isolation is rarely effective. The difficulties children and young people are experiencing impact on the whole family and can have a huge impact on relationships. Equally so, parental difficulties can impact on children and young people and therefore when we meet with you, we will be thinking about how all the different factors – home, relationships, school – impact on your child and the reasons they are coming to us for therapy. Remember, change takes commitment and hard work. Psychological therapy requires active participation on the part of both parents/carers and children/young people.
Information for children and young people
We have recently been asked to meet with you and your parents/carers to find out whether our team could be helpful to you and your family. We work with many families who would like therapy for a range of reasons.
For example, it might be that you want to feel less anxious, feel less angry, feel happier, feel more confident or get on better with friends/ family. You may have had some difficult experiences that are still bothering you and you would like to leave them in the past.
When you meet with us for the first time, we will ask you some more questions about what you want to change, and importantly if you feel this is the right time for you. It would be good if you could take some time to think about the things that are important before you meet with us.
As therapists, we understand that change can be difficult for many reasons:
- People do not know what it is they want to change
- Families have got so stuck that change can feel impossible
- People are just not ready to change
- Some people in the family want things to change and others do not agree
We want to be the most helpful we possibly can and understand that you may need our help to figure things out before you can start making changes, or if we agree that you are not quite ready for change, we might ask you to do some more thinking before you come back and see us again.
It would also be useful if we could think with you and your parents/carers about what has been helpful so far in making some changes happen? What has not been as helpful? Who needs to be involved in order to make change happen? Here is a picture that can help people think about change. Take a look and think about where you might be on the picture that may be helpful to discuss at your first appointment. Remember, thinking about change is a very brave thing to do, so whatever you decide be proud of yourself!
Feeling low and need someone to talk to?
Call 0800 915 4640, Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to midnight.
Need urgent help?
Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).