COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
What is on offer?
Whether it's you who has cancer, or someone close to you, cancer can trigger painful and difficult feelings. It can be helpful to have somewhere safe and private where you can explore the way you feel.
That's why we offer support to children and young people affected by cancer. They may have cancer themselves, have parents, siblings or other loved ones with cancer or have experienced the death of someone through cancer.
Our service offers play therapy for children up to the age of 11 and counselling for older ones.
PLAY THERAPY
We offer play therapy for younger children who are affected by cancer. Play therapy is a form of therapy that enables children to explore and express their feelings using play. children often struggle to put their feelings into words and play therapy gives them the opportunity to use play to communicate and understand their feelings without the need for talking.
How does Play Therapy help?
When children can understand and express their feelings they start to feel empowered, their self esteem grows and they become more resilient and able to cope with difficult life situations like a cancer diagnosis in the family. Children may feel that they are somehow to blame for what is happening and play therapy can help them to see that this is not the case.
How many sessions will my child have?
It really depends on the individual child. Initially the therapist will meet with you and your child for assessments to decide if play therapy can be helpful. If you decide to go ahead your child will then be offered six sessions with the therapist. Towards the end of this time the therapist will talk to you about whether it would be helpful to have any more sessions.
Where do we have to come?
At PAC's premises in Frome we have a dedicated playroom for children's use.
What age are children who come for Play Therapy?
Children who are most likely to benefit from play therapy are usually aged between 3-11 years. If your child is older and would like to see someone, they can talk to our young person's counsellor. (See website entry for young people.
How long do sessions last?
The sessions last for 50 minutes usually once a week at the same time and on the same day.
Will I, as a parent, be involved in my child's session?
After the first session when you will be with your child, children are seen by themselves. There may be occasions when the therapist suggests that you are with your child for part or all of their session. Your child's therapist will meet with you before your child is seen to discuss this and other considerations.
Do you tell me about my child's sessions?
The sessions are confidential for the child, although the therapist will tell you how your child is. At times this may include support and advice for you to enable your child to feel supported by those in their immediate family.
Does it cost anything?
No, the service is completely free. If you would like to make a donation to PAC there is a Gift Aid form on the back of the PAC lilac leaflet.
Do we have to live in Frome?
No, as long as you are able to bring your child to Frome for weekly sessions we can see you.
Can I find out more without committing my child to receiving Play Therapy?
Yes, the children's therapist will be happy to ring you for an informal discussion. Please ring the PAC office, Tel: 01373 455255 and leave a message with your contact telephone number.
How do I book an appointment for my child?
Initially the children's therapist will want to speak to you first as a parent/carer so please ring PAC, Tel: 01373 455255 and leave a message with your contact number and we will ring you to arrange an appointment.
