You do not have to wait until things become unbearable to ask for support.

I’m Denis, an integrative counsellor at Acorn Therapy. I offer a calm, welcoming and non-judgemental space where teenagers aged 13–18 can explore their feelings, make sense of what is happening in their lives and find their own way forward.

You do not need to have all the answers before coming to counselling. You do not even have to know exactly what is wrong. We can begin with whatever feels possible for you.

I offer face-to-face counselling in Cheltenham and the surrounding Cotswolds and Gloucestershire area, as well as online counselling across the UK where appropriate.

If you are a parent, carer or professional looking for support for a teenager, you are welcome to get in touch. If you are a teenager and would like to ask me a question yourself, you can contact me too.

Is counselling right for my teenager?

Sometimes young people know that something is wrong but struggle to put it into words. Others may insist that everything is fine, even when the people around them are worried.

They may not see themselves as someone who needs counselling. They might worry that they will be judged, asked lots of uncomfortable questions, told what to do or expected to talk about things before they are ready.

I understand these concerns. Seeking help can feel unfamiliar, embarrassing or even frightening, particularly when you are not sure what to expect.

Counselling with me is not about labelling your teenager, telling them how they should feel or trying to turn them into someone else. It is about giving them time and space to understand themselves, explore what is troubling them and discover what might help.

I will not expect a teenager to open up straight away. Trust takes time, and each young person is different. Some find it easier to talk; others need time to settle in, build a relationship and find their own way of communicating.

My aim is to help each young person feel safe enough to be themselves, without pressure to pretend, perform or have everything figured out.

What can teenage counselling help with?

There is no single reason why a teenager might benefit from counselling. Sometimes there is a clear event or problem; at other times, a young person simply knows that they are struggling.

I can offer support with a range of concerns, including:

• Anxiety, worry and stress: feeling overwhelmed, overthinking, panic, pressure or finding it difficult to relax.

• Low mood and difficult feelings: sadness, frustration, emptiness, irritability or losing interest in things that once mattered.

• Confidence and self-esteem: feeling not good enough, comparing yourself with others, body image concerns or being overly critical of yourself.

• Anger and emotional regulation: feeling easily frustrated, having outbursts or struggling to understand and express strong emotions.

• School, college and education pressures: exams, academic expectations, attendance difficulties, feeling unable to cope or worries about the future.

• Friendships and relationships: falling out with friends, bullying, peer pressure, loneliness, rejection or difficulties at home.

• Family changes: parental separation, divorce, conflict, bereavement, changes in family life or feeling caught between people you care about.

• Identity and belonging: working out who you are, where you fit in, cultural identity, feeling different or struggling to feel accepted.

• Difficult or upsetting experiences: experiences that continue to affect how a young person feels, thinks, behaves or relates to others.

• Feeling misunderstood or unheard: finding it difficult to explain yourself, feeling that adults do not understand or keeping things inside because you do not want to worry anyone.

This list is not exhaustive. Your teenager does not need to fit a particular category or have a formal diagnosis to benefit from counselling.

Sometimes the most useful starting point is simply, “I don’t feel like myself,” or “I don’t know what’s wrong, but something isn’t right.”

We can begin there.

A different kind of space for teenagers who find talking difficult

One of the things I understand from working with young people is that not every teenager finds it easy to sit down and talk about their feelings.

Some are naturally talkative. Others may be shy, guarded, restless, unsure what to say or worried about getting emotional. Some may have had difficult experiences with adults and need time to discover whether counselling is somewhere they can feel comfortable.

I do not believe that meaningful counselling has to begin with lots of questions or a long conversation about feelings.

Depending on the young person’s interests, needs and what feels comfortable, I may use creative and practical approaches alongside talking. These can include drawing, images, creative writing, music, movement or other activities that help a young person express something they find difficult to explain.

I also have an interest in African drumming and creative ways of working with young people. Where appropriate and agreed, creative approaches can offer another way to explore feelings, build confidence and develop awareness of what is happening inside.

Walk-and-talk counselling may also be possible where suitable arrangements can be made.

These approaches are not about forcing a young person to take part in activities or making counselling feel like a lesson. They are simply additional ways of helping someone find their own voice.

We will work together to discover what feels helpful. There is no pressure to do everything at once.

How I work: understanding the young person, not just the problem

I work as an integrative counsellor, with a person-centred approach at the heart of my work.

For me, this means seeing each young person as an individual rather than treating them as a problem that needs fixing. I aim to offer empathy, honesty, acceptance and respect, so that they can begin to understand themselves without feeling judged.

I draw on different counselling approaches, including psychodynamic ideas, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and trauma-informed practice. I use these thoughtfully, depending on the young person’s circumstances, needs and preferences.

In practice, this means I will not arrive with a rigid plan for who your teenager should become or what they should talk about. I will listen, ask questions where helpful and work alongside them to understand their experiences and consider what might make life feel more manageable.

The relationship between counsellor and young person matters. Feeling listened to, respected and accepted can make it easier to explore difficult feelings and think about things differently.

My role is not to judge, lecture or tell a teenager how to live. It is to support them in developing a better understanding of themselves, recognising their strengths, exploring their choices and finding ways to move forward.

A little about me

I’m Denis Victor, an integrative counsellor with a BA in Integrative Counselling from the University of Worcester and around nine years of post-qualification counselling experience. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP).

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent around 15 years working with young people. My experience includes working in schools and boarding-school settings, learning support and supporting young people experiencing difficulties connected with drugs and alcohol.

These experiences have helped me appreciate that a young person’s behaviour does not always tell the whole story. Anger, withdrawal, resistance, silence or difficulties at school may be connected to feelings or experiences that are not immediately obvious.

Behind what adults see on the surface, there may be worry, shame, sadness, confusion, fear of failure or a desire to be understood.

I try to meet young people with curiosity rather than assumptions. I am calm, approachable and down-to-earth, and I recognise that trust cannot be demanded. It has to develop through the way we relate to one another.

I also understand that asking for help can be a significant step for a teenager and their family. I will do my best to make that first contact feel straightforward and welcoming.

Counselling that recognises culture, identity and belonging

Our experiences of family, culture, community and identity can shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us.

Having lived and worked between Uganda and the UK, I bring personal cross-cultural experience to my counselling work. As a Black male counsellor of African origin, I am particularly aware that some young people may find it difficult to talk about race, cultural expectations, discrimination or feeling different from those around them.

A young person may feel caught between different cultures, struggle with questions of identity or feel that they have to explain parts of themselves that others do not understand. Others may have experiences of racism, exclusion or not feeling that they belong.

I welcome young people from all backgrounds, and I hope to offer a space where these experiences can be explored openly if they are important to the young person.

Your teenager does not have to share my background for us to work together. What matters is that they feel respected, listened to and able to bring their own experiences into the room.

For parents and carers: when you’re worried about your teenager

Watching your child struggle can be upsetting, particularly when you feel that you have tried everything you know to help.

You might be worried because your teenager has become withdrawn, is frequently anxious or angry, is struggling to attend school, or no longer seems to enjoy the things they used to. Perhaps conversations turn into arguments, they tell you that nothing is wrong, or they seem to want you to help but push you away when you try.

You may be wondering whether counselling would help, whether your teenager would agree to attend, or whether you should wait and see if things improve.

You do not need to have everything worked out before contacting me. We can talk about your concerns, what you have noticed and whether counselling might be a helpful next step.

I understand that teenagers also need increasing independence and privacy as they grow. My aim is to support your teenager in a way that respects their developing autonomy while recognising your important role as a parent or carer.

With the young person’s involvement and agreement, it may be helpful for a parent or carer to join us briefly at the beginning of an initial meeting. This can give everyone an opportunity to share relevant concerns and help the young person settle in. We can then agree how best to give the teenager space to speak for themselves.

Every family is different, so we can discuss what feels appropriate for your circumstances.

You can contact me even if your teenager is not yet ready to do so themselves. We can explore your concerns and consider how to approach the idea of counselling without adding pressure.

Can my teenager contact me directly?

Yes. Teenagers are welcome to contact me to ask questions or find out more about counselling.

They do not need to know exactly what to say. A short email is enough to start a conversation. They might simply tell me that they are interested in counselling and would like to know what happens next.

I will respond sensitively and explain the next steps in a way that is appropriate to their age and circumstances.

For anyone under 18, there are important considerations around consent, safeguarding and involving parents or carers where appropriate. I will explain these clearly before counselling begins, so that the young person understands what to expect.

I want young people to feel that they have some choice and control in the process, rather than feeling that counselling is simply something being done to them.

Confidentiality: will everything my teenager says be kept private?

It is understandable for teenagers and parents to have questions about confidentiality.

For a young person to feel comfortable in counselling, they need to know that they can talk honestly without automatically having every conversation repeated to their parents, school or other people.

I respect a young person’s privacy and explain confidentiality at the outset. What they share in counselling is treated sensitively and is not routinely passed on to parents or other people without appropriate agreement.

However, confidentiality has limits. If I become concerned that a young person or someone else may be at risk of serious harm, I may need to share relevant information with appropriate people to help keep them safe. I will explain these boundaries clearly and, wherever it is safe and appropriate, involve the young person in decisions about sharing information.

Where counselling is arranged through a school, charity or another organisation, we will also clarify what information may need to be shared with the referring organisation.

I take safeguarding seriously, while recognising the importance of helping young people feel heard rather than watched or judged.

Counselling for schools, charities and organisations supporting teenagers

I also welcome enquiries from schools, colleges, youth organisations, charities, churches, rehabilitation services and other organisations looking to arrange counselling for young people aged 13–18.

You may be looking for additional emotional support for a student, a young person using your service, or someone who would benefit from having a regular space outside their usual environment to talk about what is happening in their life.

I can discuss arrangements suited to your setting, including individual counselling, face-to-face work locally and online sessions where appropriate. I am happy to discuss referral arrangements, practical requirements, fees and the most suitable way to support the young person.

My background in youth work, school and boarding-school counselling, learning support and work with young people facing substance-related difficulties gives me experience of the different pressures that can affect teenagers.

Any arrangement would need to take account of the young person’s needs, consent, confidentiality, safeguarding and the responsibilities of the organisation making the referral.

If you represent a school or organisation, please get in touch to discuss what you are looking for and whether I may be able to help.

What happens when we start counselling?

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, so I aim to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible.

1. Get in touch

You can email me to explain a little about what is happening or simply say that you would like to find out more. Parents, carers, teenagers and professionals can all make an initial enquiry.

2. Arrange a free initial consultation

I offer a free initial consultation of up to 25 minutes. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what brings you to counselling, ask questions and consider whether working together might be suitable. It is an introductory conversation rather than a full counselling session.

3. Decide together what feels right

There is no obligation to continue after the initial consultation. If counselling seems appropriate, we can discuss practical arrangements, confidentiality, expectations and any questions or concerns before proceeding.

4. Begin at a comfortable pace

Counselling often takes place weekly, particularly at the beginning, although the frequency can be discussed according to the young person’s needs and circumstances. There is no expectation that a teenager will share everything in the first session. We can take time to build trust and work out what is helpful.

Face-to-face and online teenage counselling

I offer face-to-face counselling in Cheltenham and the surrounding Cotswolds and Gloucestershire area. Online counselling is also available across the UK where it is appropriate for the young person and their circumstances.

Online counselling may suit teenagers who find it easier to speak from a familiar environment or who live further away. Before arranging online sessions, we will consider privacy, the young person’s ability to participate safely, and what to do if support is needed during a session.

For face-to-face sessions, we can discuss the available location and practical arrangements when you get in touch.

Fees

I want the arrangements to be clear from the beginning, so there are no surprises.

• Initial consultation: Free, for up to 25 minutes.

• Individual counselling: £50 per 50-minute session.

• Schools and organisations: Please contact me to discuss regular referrals, fees and practical arrangements.

The initial consultation gives us a chance to explore whether counselling may be helpful before deciding whether to proceed.

A few questions you may have

Does my teenager need to have a serious problem to come to counselling?

No. A teenager does not need a diagnosis or a crisis to seek support. Sometimes talking things through early can help a young person make sense of their feelings before difficulties become more overwhelming.

What if my teenager refuses to come?

This can be difficult for parents and carers. Pressuring a teenager may make them more reluctant, so it can help to approach the idea gently and give them a chance to ask questions. You are welcome to contact me first to discuss your concerns and how to introduce counselling.

What if my teenager doesn’t talk much?

That is okay. There is no expectation that they will immediately explain everything. We can take time to build trust and, where appropriate, explore creative or other ways of communicating.

Will you tell my teenager what to do?

My role is not to lecture or make decisions for them. I help young people explore their experiences, understand their feelings, consider their options and find ways forward that make sense for them.

Can a parent or carer attend the first meeting?

Where appropriate, and with the young person’s involvement and agreement, a parent or carer may join briefly at the beginning. We can discuss the best arrangement before the meeting.

Can I arrange counselling through a school or organisation?

Yes. I welcome enquiries from schools, colleges, charities, churches, youth organisations and other services. Please contact me to discuss the young person’s needs and the practical arrangements.

Is online counselling suitable for every teenager?

Not always. Suitability depends on the young person’s needs, privacy, circumstances and ability to engage safely online. We can consider this together before deciding how to proceed.

You don’t have to work everything out before asking for help

Every teenager has their own story. Sometimes they need help making sense of difficult feelings. Sometimes they need a place where they can speak honestly without worrying about upsetting someone, being judged or having all the answers.

And sometimes parents and carers need support in understanding what their teenager may be going through and how best to respond.

At Acorn Therapy, I aim to offer a space where young people can be themselves, feel listened to and begin to discover what might help them move forward. Change does not have to happen all at once. Small steps can matter.

If you are a teenager who would like to talk, a parent or carer who is concerned, or a professional looking for counselling support for a young person, you are welcome to get in touch.

You don’t have to know where to begin. We can work that out together.

Get in touch with Acorn Therapy

Email: [email protected]

Website: acorntherapy.co.uk

I offer a free initial consultation of up to 25 minutes so we can talk about what is happening, ask questions and explore whether counselling might be right for you or the young person you are supporting.

Taking the first step can feel difficult. You do not have to make a decision about everything today. An initial conversation can simply be a way to find out more.