1:1 Individual Therapy

One-to-one work with parents of children in our areas is also available. For more information please contact us

Psychology

Psychology is a combination of science and practice. Psychologists are interested in how people act, react and interact as individuals and in groups.

The practice of psychology is supported by the teaching and research of academic psychologists, and the subject is taught at all levels within education. Think of any question about how and why humans do the things they do and the chances are that a psychologist somewhere will be researching it to find the scientific answer and further our understanding. Researchers construct questions about and look for answers to a wide range of issues relating to human behaviour in a variety of contexts, taking both biological and social factors into account. The knowledge gained is used by applied psychologists and other professionals in almost every setting.

Psychologists work all around you. Clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, counselling and health psychologists work in health and social care. Their aim is to prevent illness and improve health. Educational psychologists work within schools and with families and communities to ensure that children and young people make the most of their potential. Occupational psychologists aim to improve organisational effectiveness and well-being in the workplace. Forensic psychologists work in various 'legal' settings - prisons, courts and with the police - striving for a fair and effective legal system.

For other information about psychology and psychologists, please visit the British Psychological Society Website.

Counselling

What is counselling?

Counselling is a working relationship built on confidentiality, mutual respect and open communication, with the intention of helping people to clarify and identify their problems and to find their own solutions. It is about empowering the client to make their own decisions; it is not advice giving or offering sympathy.

The principle behind counselling is that it helps enormously to share problems with someone who is there to listen and understand how things are for you; the client. The counsellor is unbiased and there to offer support and strength during emotional times. More importantly they can help you unravel the reasons behind issues such as depression, substance abuse and low self esteem, or come to terms with childhood pain caused by bereavement or abuse.

Counselling is a process during which you will come to know yourself, to understand why you may be repeating the same patterns of behaviour.

What happens in counselling?

In a typical session you would meet with your therapist to decide whether counselling is what you need and also whether you feel you could work together. It is important if you are going to be able to share personal aspects of your life with the counsellor, that you feel a connection and warmth as well as trust and confidence. You will make a contract to work together for a number of sessions with a view to reviewing this regularly, to ensure that you are getting what you need from your sessions.

The counsellor will not:-

• Give you their answers or clear cut solutions to your difficulties.
• Judge you
• Have any relationship with you other than in counselling
• Be a permanent support or friend to you
• Talk about him/herself unless he/she believes it is of particular value or relevance to you.
• Talk about you to anyone else without you permission (except in very exceptional circumstances which will be discussed with you).

For more information on counselling, please visit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy website

For More information on North Staffordshire MIND please visit their website.

Counselling for children and young people - what parents need to know
Young Minds counselling leaflet (PDF)

First Steps is part of the Psychological Services for Children, Young People and families within North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare