Wellbeing support that makes a difference

Young people face many pressures, from exams and social media to friendships, family expectations and uncertainty about the future. Some struggle with anxiety or low confidence. Others feel misunderstood, overwhelmed or unsure where they belong.

Parents and education staff can also find it difficult to know what to say or how best to help.

My workshops provide a welcoming space to explore these experiences, learn practical coping strategies and develop a better understanding of emotional wellbeing.

The aim is to help participants leave with something useful they can put into practice in everyday life.

Mental health and wellbeing workshops

1. Exam Stress: Finding Your Balance

For secondary school students, sixth forms and colleges

Exams can bring pressure, worry and fear of failure. This workshop helps students recognise exam stress, understand their emotional responses and develop healthier ways of managing pressure.

Participants explore:

• Recognising stress and anxiety.
• Managing expectations and fear of failure.
• Practical grounding and calming techniques.
• Developing a realistic approach to revision and rest.

Takeaway: A personal plan for managing exam pressure and protecting wellbeing.

2. Finding My Voice: Self-Esteem and Confidence

For teenagers and young adults

Feeling good about yourself is not always easy, particularly when you are comparing yourself with others or trying to meet expectations. This workshop helps young people recognise their strengths, challenge negative self-talk and develop a more accepting view of themselves.

Participants explore:

• Building self-esteem and self-belief.
• Managing comparison and the pressure to fit in.
• Recognising personal strengths.
• Expressing needs, opinions and boundaries.

Takeaway: A personal strengths and confidence plan.

3. Feel the Rhythm: Emotions, Expression and Connection

An African drumming and wellbeing workshop

This creative workshop brings together counselling-informed reflection and African drumming to explore how we express ourselves, listen to others and connect as a group.

Through rhythm-based activities and guided reflection, participants can explore:

• Expressing feelings in different ways.
• Listening, cooperation and shared experiences.
• Confidence and taking part without needing to be perfect.
• Connection, inclusion and a sense of belonging.

No previous drumming experience is needed.

Takeaway: An enjoyable, participatory experience that encourages reflection, connection and self-expression.

This is a wellbeing and educational activity rather than a drumming lesson or a substitute for counselling.

4. Becoming Me: Identity, Belonging and Change

For sixth forms, colleges, universities and youth groups

Growing up involves working out who you are, what matters to you and where you feel you belong. These questions can be especially important when navigating different cultures, family expectations or major life changes.

Participants explore:

• Identity, values and belonging.
• Cultural differences and feeling understood.
• Friendship, independence and family expectations.
• Transitions to college, university, work or adult life.

Takeaway: A clearer understanding of personal values, identity and sources of support.

5. Understanding My Emotions: Anger, Anxiety and Resilience

For teenagers and young adults

Difficult emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming or come out in ways that affect relationships, learning and confidence. This workshop helps participants recognise emotional triggers and consider healthier responses.

Participants explore:

• Understanding emotional triggers.
• Recognising early signs of stress.
• Managing anger, frustration and anxiety.
• Communicating feelings and asking for help.

Takeaway: Practical strategies for responding to difficult emotions.

6. Life Online: Social Media, Self-Image and Wellbeing

For secondary school students and youth groups

Social media can help young people connect, but it can also contribute to comparison, pressure and worries about appearance or popularity.

Participants explore:

• Social media and self-esteem.
• Online comparison and body image.
• Cyberbullying and digital boundaries.
• Healthier screen habits and protecting time for rest.

Takeaway: A personal plan for developing a healthier relationship with technology.

Workshops for parents and carers

Understanding Your Teenager: Supporting Their Emotional Wellbeing

Parenting a teenager can be rewarding, but it can also leave you worried, frustrated or unsure how to help.

Perhaps your child has become withdrawn, anxious or angry. You may be finding it difficult to communicate, manage disagreements or understand what they need from you.

This workshop offers parents and carers an opportunity to explore the emotional challenges of adolescence and consider practical ways to support their young person.

Topics include:

• Understanding teenage emotions and behaviour.
• Listening without immediately trying to fix things.
• Communicating through difficult conversations.
• Boundaries, independence and family conflict.
• Recognising when additional support may be needed.

The workshop is not about judging parents or finding fault. It is about developing understanding, strengthening communication and finding ways forward.

Takeaway: Practical ideas for supporting your teenager while looking after your own wellbeing.

I can also offer sessions focused on parental stress, emotional exhaustion and the challenges of caring for a child who is struggling.

Wellbeing workshops for teachers and education staff

Supporting the Whole Student: Understanding Emotional Wellbeing

Education staff often support young people who are struggling emotionally alongside their learning, relationships and attendance.

This workshop helps staff consider how emotional distress may appear in everyday school life and how they can respond in a supportive and appropriate way.

Topics include:

• Recognising possible signs of emotional distress.
• Understanding the feelings that may sit beneath behaviour.
• Starting supportive conversations.
• Promoting emotional safety, inclusion and belonging.
• Maintaining professional boundaries and recognising when to refer.
• Looking after staff wellbeing while supporting others.

Sessions can be adapted for teachers, pastoral teams, learning mentors, teaching assistants and other education professionals.

Takeaway: Practical approaches to supporting student wellbeing within existing school support and safeguarding arrangements.

A programme tailored to your school or organisation

Every school, college and youth group is different. I can deliver a single introductory workshop or work with you to develop a programme around the needs of your students or community.

Single workshops

A focused session on a particular topic, such as exam stress, confidence, anxiety or identity.

A six-session wellbeing programme

A series of sessions helping students understand emotions, manage stress, build confidence, explore belonging, improve communication and develop practical coping strategies.

African drumming and wellbeing

A creative, participatory session combining rhythm, reflection, listening and cooperation. This can be offered as a standalone workshop or incorporated into a wider programme.

Parent workshops

Practical sessions for parent evenings, parent associations and family support organisations.

Staff wellbeing and development

Workshops for education staff focusing on emotional wellbeing, supportive communication and appropriate responses to student distress.

Sessions can be delivered in person across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, with online delivery considered where appropriate.

About me

I am Denis Victor, a counselling therapist and founder of Acorn Therapy in Cheltenham.

I have a BA in Integrative Counselling from the University of Worcester and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). My experience includes private counselling, school counselling, youth work, learning support and working with young people facing emotional, social and personal challenges.

Before training as a counsellor, I spent many years working with young people in education and youth settings. This has helped me understand that people do not always find it easy to talk about their feelings, particularly when they feel under pressure, misunderstood or unsure whether someone will listen.

My approach is warm, practical and inclusive. I draw on my counselling knowledge, experience of working across cultures and African drumming skills to offer workshops that recognise different ways of learning, expressing feelings and connecting with others.

I aim to create a space where participants can reflect, learn and take part without feeling judged or expected to share more than they are comfortable with.

Workshop prices

I offer clear, introductory pricing for schools and organisations.

• 60-minute workshop: £125–£175
• 90-minute workshop: £150–£250
• Half-day workshop: £300–£450
• Six-session student programme: £600–£900
• African drumming and wellbeing workshop: £175–£275

Final prices depend on the format, group size, preparation required, equipment and travel arrangements. I will discuss your needs and provide a clear quotation before you book.

If you are a smaller youth group or community organisation working with a limited budget, please get in touch to discuss the options available.

A practical and responsible approach to wellbeing

My workshops support emotional awareness, wellbeing and help-seeking. They are educational group sessions rather than group counselling, diagnosis or treatment.

Activities are adapted to the age and needs of participants, with opportunities to take part without having to disclose personal experiences. For drumming sessions, alternative activities can be discussed where noise or sensory needs are a concern.

I work with the commissioning organisation to agree appropriate safeguarding arrangements, responsibilities and referral procedures before delivery. Where a young person needs individual or ongoing support, appropriate next steps can be discussed separately.

Let’s talk about what your students or community need

If you are a school, college, youth organisation, parent group or education professional in Cheltenham or Gloucestershire, I would be pleased to hear from you.

Whether you are looking for a one-off workshop, a six-session programme or a creative wellbeing session using African drumming, we can discuss your aims, the needs of your group and the most suitable approach.

Get in touch with Acorn Therapy to discuss a workshop or request a quotation.

Email: [email protected]

Website: acorntherapy.co.uk

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