Jay Barkus

I currently offer face to face sessions for children and young people. Sessions are held at Sunrise Wellbeing @Groby on a Friday, between 2pm to 7pm

As a humanistic, integrative counsellor working with children and young people aged 8–18, my practice is grounded in the Person-Centred Approach. I believe every child and young person has their own unique experiences and ways of understanding the world. My aim is to provide a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space where they feel heard, accepted and supported.

My work is trauma-informed, recognising that early experiences of trauma, neglect and shame can have a lasting impact on how we see ourselves, manage our emotions and form relationships. These experiences can influence our sense of safety, self-worth and how we navigate the world around us. I approach each young person with sensitivity and curiosity, seeking to understand their experiences and support them in making sense of their feelings.

I place each child or young person at the heart of the therapeutic process, working in a way that reflects their individual needs and stage of development. Our sessions take place at their pace, offering the freedom to explore their thoughts, feelings and challenges without fear of judgement. Together, we can develop greater self-awareness, explore difficult experiences and identify coping strategies to help them navigate life's challenges.

I have extensive experience supporting young people experiencing school stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties and self harm. I recognise that every person's experience is different, and I aim to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where they feel valued, understood and accepted for who they are.

My aim is to celebrate each young person's resilience, strength and courage, supporting them to develop greater self-acceptance, confidence and a deeper understanding of themselves.

My approach to counselling places each person at the heart of the work, recognising that we all experience and make sense of the world in our own unique way. I aim to empower children and young people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, supporting their self-awareness, personal growth and emotional wellbeing. I believe that when a person feels able to take the lead in their therapeutic journey, within a space that offers compassion, acceptance and unconditional positive regard, they can begin to explore their feelings and experiences at their own pace and make sense of what is happening for them.

I bring curiosity, warmth, acceptance and understanding to our sessions, creating a space where each child or young person can feel free to be themselves, without fear of judgement. At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship, built on trust, empathy and mutual respect. I want each person to feel heard, valued and supported, knowing that they can bring whatever they may be experiencing into our sessions.

Counselling offers an opportunity to explore difficult feelings, make sense of challenging experiences and develop a deeper understanding of who they are. Together, we can gently explore the experiences, beliefs and patterns that may be influencing their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. As their self-awareness grows, they may begin to recognise patterns that have developed over time and understand how these influence the way they see themselves and the world around them.

Through this process, I hope to support each child or young person in developing greater self-acceptance, confidence and trust in themselves. My aim is to help them feel more able to navigate life's challenges, make choices that feel right for them and move towards a more positive sense of themselves and their future.

The first step is a telephone assessment with the parent or caregiver, which usually lasts around 25–30 minutes. This is an opportunity for us to talk about what has been happening for your child or young person, what has brought them to counselling, and what you hope they might gain from the experience. We can also discuss how we might work together, giving you a sense of the approach to counselling I offer and the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. This initial conversation will help us decide whether working together feels like the right fit for your child or young person.

If you decide you would like your child or young person to begin counselling with me, we can then arrange a regular weekly appointment at a mutually convenient time. Each session will last 50 minutes