Elise Colaco

I offer flexible appointments, including evenings and weekends, subject to availability. Please get in touch to discuss a suitable time for your child or young person.

As a parent or carer, it can be difficult to know how best to support your child when they’re struggling emotionally. You may notice changes in their behaviour, confidence or mood, or find that they’re becoming increasingly withdrawn, anxious or overwhelmed.

Sometimes, young people find it difficult to explain how they’re feeling, particularly when they’re unsure of their emotions themselves.

I offer a warm, supportive and non-judgemental environment where children and young people can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for them.

My approach is gentle, understanding and collaborative. I recognise that building trust takes time, particularly for young people who may find it difficult to open up or feel misunderstood.

I aim to create a space where your child feels listened to, respected and valued, allowing them to explore their experiences without pressure or expectation.

Growing up can bring many challenges. School pressures, friendships, family relationships, identity, anxiety, low mood and difficulties with self-esteem can all affect a young person’s emotional wellbeing.

For some children and teenagers, these challenges can be particularly difficult to navigate, especially when they experience additional needs or differences in how they understand and interact with the world.

My professional background includes extensive experience supporting children and young people within educational settings, giving me an understanding of the emotional, social and developmental challenges they may encounter.

I also have experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and those with additional needs. I recognise the importance of adapting my approach to each young person’s individual circumstances, communication preferences and experiences.

As an integrative counsellor, I work from a person-centred foundation while drawing upon different therapeutic approaches to provide support that is tailored to the individual.

I believe that every young person deserves to feel understood and accepted for who they are. My aim is to help them explore their emotions, develop greater self-awareness and find ways of managing the difficulties they may be experiencing.

I understand that parents and carers often want reassurance that their child is receiving appropriate support. While respecting the young person’s confidentiality and independence, I aim to maintain appropriate communication with parents and carers, in accordance with professional and ethical boundaries.

I offer counselling face-to-face or online.

I understand that reaching out for counselling for your child can feel like a significant decision, particularly when you’re unsure what support they may need.

I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation, providing an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions and learn more about how I work.

This can help us explore whether counselling may be appropriate for your child and what they might need from the therapeutic process.

When meeting a young person for the first time, my priority is to help them feel comfortable and at ease. There is no expectation for them to share everything immediately, and I recognise that building trust and confidence can take time.

I aim to work at a pace that feels right for them, giving them the opportunity to express themselves in ways that feel comfortable.

Finding the right counsellor is important, and the initial consultation is an opportunity to consider whether I may be a suitable person to support your child.

If you would like to discuss counselling for your child or teenager, please feel free to get in touch.

I offer flexible appointments, subject to availability. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss a suitable appointment time.

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, particularly when you’re unsure what to expect or where to begin. Finding someone you feel comfortable talking to is an important part of that journey.

My approach is warm, compassionate and supportive. I aim to create a calm, welcoming environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences openly, without fear of judgement.

Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, bereavement, stress or navigating a challenging period in your life, I offer a space where you can feel heard, understood and supported.

I listen carefully and attentively, recognising that sometimes the things we find hardest to express can be just as important as the things we say. I believe in working collaboratively, at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and helping you explore your experiences from different perspectives.

Above all, I believe counselling should be a space where you feel valued as an individual, with the freedom to explore whatever matters most to you.

I am a BACP-registered integrative counsellor, working from a person-centred foundation while drawing upon different therapeutic approaches to meet your individual needs.

I believe that no two people experience life’s challenges in quite the same way. My approach is therefore flexible and tailored to your circumstances, recognising your individual experiences, strengths and goals.

My professional background includes supporting individuals across a range of educational settings. This has provided me with valuable experience working with people from different backgrounds, navigating a variety of emotional, personal and developmental challenges.

I have extensive experience supporting individuals with additional needs, including neurodivergent clients, and I am committed to providing an inclusive and affirming environment where everyone feels respected, understood and valued.

I believe that building a trusting therapeutic relationship is central to effective counselling. Through our work together, I aim to support you in developing greater self-awareness, exploring your experiences and finding ways to navigate life’s challenges.

Appointments are available face-to-face at my comfortable counselling space in Benton or online, offering flexibility to suit your circumstances.

I understand that attending your first counselling session can feel overwhelming, particularly if you haven’t experienced counselling before.

Our initial session provides an opportunity for us to get to know one another, explore what has brought you to counselling and discuss what you might hope to gain from our work together.

There is no expectation for you to share everything immediately, and you don’t need to know exactly what you want to say. We can take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

I recognise how important it is to find a counsellor you feel safe and comfortable with. Our first meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions, discuss any concerns and decide whether working together feels right for you.