Children's Emotional Wellbeing Coaching
When children are finding something difficult, it isn't always obvious why. Big emotions, worries or changes in behaviour are often a sign that they're trying to make sense of something they don't yet have the words for.
Coaching provides a calm, supportive space where children can explore what's happening for them in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate, helping them develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the confidence to navigate life's challenges.
Is coaching right for my child?
Families come to coaching for all sorts of reasons.
Sometimes there's something specific your child is finding difficult. Sometimes it's harder to put your finger on – you simply feel they would benefit from having a little extra space, time and support. Coaching gives children that opportunity, in a way that's shaped around who they are and what they need.
Every child is unique, so we always start with a conversation to understand what's been happening and explore whether coaching feels like the right fit for your child.
What does coaching
look like?
There isn't a set programme or a one-size-fits-all approach.
Some children enjoy talking from the start. Others find it easier to express themselves through drawing, games, creative activities or simply chatting while doing something together. Sessions are always shaped around your child's age, personality, interests and what feels most helpful for them.
Along the way, we'll explore thoughts, feelings, strengths and challenges using a range of engaging coaching tools and activities, always adapting to what works best for your child.
Step 1: Initial Parent Conversation
We'll start with an informal chat to get to know one another. It's an opportunity for you to tell me about your child, what's been happening, what you're hoping coaching might help with, and to ask any questions you may have.
Together, we'll explore whether coaching feels like the right next step.
How does it work?
Step 2: An Introductory Coaching Session
Your child will then have an initial coaching session where they can meet me, experience what coaching is like, and start to build connection.
Just as importantly, it's a chance for them to decide whether they feel comfortable working with me and would like to continue.
Step 3: Ongoing Coaching
If coaching feels like a good fit, we'll agree the number and frequency of sessions together.
Throughout the coaching journey, I'll keep in touch with regular updates, sharing general themes and ideas to help support your child at home, while always respecting their trust and privacy.
Parent FAQs
Choosing the right support for your child is important. Here are some of the things parents often want to know.
What age children do you work with?
I offer Children’s Emotional Wellbeing Coaching for children aged 6–16. Sessions are adapted to your child’s age, personality and interests, so coaching can look quite different from one child to another.
How long are sessions?
Sessions usually last around 45 minutes. This gives children enough time to settle in and explore what’s important to them without the session feeling too long or demanding.
How many sessions will my child need?
There isn't a set number of sessions, as every child and coaching journey is different. We usually start with a block of 4–5 sessions, then review how things are going together and decide what, if any, further support would be helpful.
What difference can coaching make for my child?
Every child’s experience of coaching is different, and change doesn’t always happen in the same way or at the same pace. Over time, children often develop a better understanding of their thoughts and feelings, greater belief in themselves, and new ways of responding when things feel difficult.
Parents may also begin to notice small shifts in everyday life – perhaps their child is better able to express how they’re feeling, approaches a situation differently, or has fewer overwhelming moments.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions can take place online via Zoom, face-to-face locally in Haywards Heath, or, for children attending one of my partner schools, during the school day. We can talk through the options in our initial call and decide what would work best for your child and family.
Is coaching the same as counselling or therapy?
No. Coaching isn’t therapy and doesn’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions. It focuses on helping children understand themselves, recognise their strengths and resources, explore different perspectives and find ways forward that feel meaningful to them. If I don’t believe coaching is the most appropriate support for your child, I’ll be open with you about that.
Will you tell me what my child talks about?
Trust and privacy are an important part of coaching. I won't routinely share the details of what your child tells me, but I will keep you updated on broader themes, progress and ideas that may help you support them at home.
What if my child doesn’t want to talk about their feelings?
That’s completely okay. Coaching doesn’t rely on a child sitting down and talking about how they feel. Sessions are led by your child, at their pace, and might involve games, drawing, creative activities or practical coaching tools as well as conversation. There’s no pressure to share anything they don’t want to.
Often, as children become more comfortable and trust develops, they begin to explore what’s going on for them in their own way. The aim is to create a space where they can be themselves, rather than feeling they have to talk.
What if I’m not sure my child would engage with coaching?
Not every child will feel ready or comfortable with one-to-one coaching, and that’s okay. If you’re unsure whether coaching would be the right fit for your child, we can talk this through before deciding on next steps.
I also offer parent coaching, which gives you space to explore what’s happening for your child and think through ways you can support them, without your child needing to take part in sessions themselves.
Is your coaching neuroinclusive?
Yes. My coaching is child-centred and flexible, recognising that every child experiences and communicates their thoughts, feelings and needs differently.
I adapt sessions to the individual child, including their communication style, interests, sensory needs and preferred ways of engaging. There’s no expectation to sit and talk - we might use creative activities, games, visual tools or movement, depending on what works best for them.
Where helpful, I’ll work alongside parents and schools to understand what helps a child feel comfortable and able to engage.
Let's start with a conversation
If you’d like to explore coaching for your child, we can arrange an informal chat to talk about what’s been happening, what you’re hoping coaching might help with, and whether it feels like the right fit.