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Working with schools
Trauma and Young People
Trauma is a commonly used word and often misunderstood. People think of trauma as being things that happen - abuse, accidents, war, natural disasters or death of a loved one, but the reality is that the same thing can happen to two young people and whilst one of them bounces back the other can become traumatised by it.
Trauma isn't the event that happened; but the unresolved stress that stays in our bodies after that event because we were unable to process it. Unresolved trauma in young people can go on to affect their choices as adults without even realising it; but with understanding and support, it is possible recognise and heal from these wounds.
For further information about trauma, feel free to look at the articles in my blog.
Supporting teenagers in School
I work with Schools to support teenagers who are affected by unresolved trauma. I have seen first hand the way that this shows up in behaviours and actions of young people, but they don't know how they can change the way they respond. I work online with young people nationally and outdoors with those who can access therapy in and around the South Lakes and Yorkshire Dales.​
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School structures can leave those struggling with the impact of trauma feeling trapped and disempowered. My relationship with young people is one of equanimity. I help young people to recognise what is going on for them and enable them to take back a semblance of control. They can then start to move on from the trauma that has become stuck and has been holding them back.
How does it work?
I take referrals from pastoral staff within schools where the Senior Management have agreed that working with me fits with their ethos and would work within their existing support structures.
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Rather than working directly for the schools; I work with them. For me it is really important that young people have a choice over who they work with. My contract would be with the parents and the young person and I would offer a 30 minute free initial meeting with the parents and then the young person to ensure that they make the final decision regarding our working together.
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I am willing to come into schools to deliver trauma-informed training to support staff in recognising when young people have been impacted by trauma and the impact it can have. I have also written blogs on this subject.
What about confidentiality?
Trust is key in any relationship between a therapist and client. This is especially important when working with young people who have been impacted by trauma.
I fully understand that Schools have a responsibility to keep young people safe - especially when it comes to suicidal ideation. It is important to recognise that there is a big difference between thoughts of suicide and intent. For me it is important to normalise the conversation around suicide and to help teenagers feel okay to talk about their feelings - even when it is tough. I have written a number of blogs focusing on Suicidal Risk and Why Men Become Suicidal which, even though they are focusing on Male Suicidality, you might find helpful.
We will always have conversations around confidentiality; around staying safe and when it would be appropriate to involve the school. Breeching confidentiality is something I treat very seriously and it is important to get it right for the safety of all involved.
I am happy to talk through any concerns you may have with the appropriate staff.
What is your background?
I have a background working in day and boarding schools as a teacher, Head of Department and Housemaster, so I have a good understanding of the different ways that Schools operate and can work with any school to ensure that the support that I offer works for the individual pupil, their parents and the school staff.
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In addition to my core post-graduate training in Counselling and Psychotherapy, I have taken an additional Diploma in working with Children and Young People. I have undertaken training in working therapeutically in an outdoor environment and on working online. I also have a two-day Outdoor First Aid Certificate and have taken extensive training on working with trauma as well as working with suicidal clients. Full details can be found here.
Supporting Adults struggling with Historic Abuse
When Schools are working to support individuals who are coming to terms with historic abuse, it can be really helpful to signpost them to specialist therapeutic support. I have experience of supporting people in managing the impact of trauma resulting from abuse, and the shame that often accompanies it. Again, my contract would be with the individual, not the school.
Talks and Training
In addition to working one-to-one with young people, I also deliver talks and training either in-person or online. For further details, see my Delivering Talks and Training page
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