Every child may lose their way at some point in their life journey, as they try to navigate their world through the twists and turns and over the bumps that life throws us all. Parents or other people close to them may be able to help up to a point, but having a consistent and confidential space to go to where they feel safe enough to explore even the most difficult of feelings can be extremely effective and can offer immense relief. This is what I am trained to do and passionate about providing.... A space to think.

Children and particularly adolescents, find it hard to communicate what they are really feeling, and without this expression things may become overwhelming for them which may manifest itself in many ways. When a child becomes low, stressed or anxious about life’s demands they can communicate this to us through their anxiety, depression, anger, aggression or fear which can impact relationships with friends and family and their education, emotional well being and development; thus creating a destructive and disruptive circle.

Children have much to contend with in their journey towards independence and adulthood, they can face many issues including parental separation, trauma, abuse, bereavement or loss, low self-esteem, confidence, resilience and assertiveness, bullying, issues at school, caring for adults, attachment issues, self harm, parental illness or separation, change and transition, relationship issues in and out of the home... and much more.

Effective counselling and psychotherapy can improve the health of our mind and improve the overall quality of our life by offering a safe, supportive environment to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviour because ultimately, it is our thoughts, feelings and behaviour that determine our experience. I can offer each child a non judgmental confidential space and can facilitate them to express how they feel in their strive for a healthy mind.

Faye Starr (MBACP)

Child and Adolescent Integrative Counsellor / Psychotherapist

PGDip (Level 7)

I am an experienced and fully qualified therapeutic counsellor for children and young adults aged 5-25 years, and believe in early intervention as a form of prevention and to offer support and relief from overwhelming feelings. I work from Warlingham, Surrey (near Croydon and Caterham).

My Approach:

My approach is child-led, and with the use of verbal communication, creative materials and play children and adolescents can work through and express their feelings. By child-led I mean that the sessions are led by the child or young adult, at their pace and are tailored to each individual and their ability and needs. I do however draw from a number of therapeutic methods so my approach is integrative in nature and based around play, art, person-centred and CBT therapeutic techniques and psychodynamic thinking.

My Experience:

Primary and secondary aged children

In schools and privately

One-on-one and group work

Short and long term counselling

My Qualifications:

Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma Counselling Children in Schools

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills for Working with Children

Ethical Considerations:

Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Enhanced DBS

Professional Liability Insurance

Welcome to the 'My Space to Think' room, which is a large, bright garden room based in Warlingham in Surrey so am easily accessible to children who live in and around Croydon, Coulsdon, Purley and Caterham. It is a safe, calm, comfortable, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk, play and create, whatever each child or young adult feels comfortable doing. It is a well thought out space and is equipped to compliment all age groups with lots to discover, do and discuss.

Initially I like to meet the parent or carer of each child, and offer a free no obligation 50 minute meeting for you to meet me and to discuss any needs you or your child may have. This is also a chance for you to see the counselling room and to understand how I work a little more. We will discuss confidentiality and consent which heavily underpin my work and ethical standpoint as I abide by the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice. At this point if you are happy to proceed we would discuss a suitable weekly time slot for you child to come for their 50 minute sessions.

My fees are £55 per 50 minute session, the initial consultation is included in this price. Concessions are available upon discussion.

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“Happiness, not in another place but this place, not for another hour but this hour”

Walt Whitman

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