Info for Young People

Counselling is about sharing your thoughts and feelings safely and confidentially.

Your counsellor will support you to talk about your problems or worries, which can help you to feel less alone and may help you to understand what’s happening in your life.

You decide what to focus on and whatever the issue is, your counsellor won’t be shocked and they won’t judge you. They’ll listen and help you decide how you want to move forwards. Together, you may develop some ideas of how to help you cope.

Your counsellor has special training to work with young people and will help you to feel comfortable to talk (it’s normal to feel apprehensive at first).

Counselling at Number 22 is free of charge.

You can get in touch with us by completing our sign up for counselling form. Once you’ve completed your details (you can leave your number or a number for your parents or carers if you’d prefer), we’ll place you on our waiting list and call you as soon as an appointment becomes available. You’ll be offered a set of 10 counselling sessions. At the end of that time you can discuss with your counsellor how you’re feeling and we can offer more support if you need it.

Your sessions will take place at the same time every week at our counselling centres in Maidenhead, Slough or Windsor, or remotely if you’d prefer. They last for 50 minutes. This is your time to talk about whatever you want to.

At the beginning of your first session your counsellor will explain a bit about counselling. They will take some brief details from you which will be kept securely. They’ll also talk to you about confidentiality and make a verbal agreement about how you will work together.

Confidentiality means that what you say to your counsellor will stay between the two of you. Nobody else will know, including your parents or carers.

There may be times though when your counsellor is really worried about you or someone you’re talking about. If this happens they will need to let someone know, to keep you safe. Your counsellor will make sure that you understand what this means.

If you’re struggling and it’s difficult to speak to someone close to you, it’s a really good idea to talk to a trusted adult in school. That may be one of your teachers, your Head of Year or Mental Health Lead.

Your school might have a school counsellor. Number 22 has counsellors in lots of local schools in the Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor areas. Talk to your school if you would like to speak to your school counsellor.

We know how hard it is to find trusted mental health information online. Here are some of our favourite sites:

Childline
Kooth
Young Minds
The Mix (under 25s)
One Space
On My Mind
Beat (eating disorders)
Papyrus (suicidal thoughts)