Liz Elwes

My availability is on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Sessions are 50 minutes.

My working hours are 10.00am-6pm.

I work with children/young people from 7-15 years. 

Sessions in term term only.

I have an integrative approach to working with children and young people. I like to respond to the client in a child centred way that makes them feel most comfortable and so to develop a trusting relationship. 

My therapy offers opportunities to work through play and creative expression as well as face to face talking, based on the client's age and wishes. 

I aim to create a space where the client feels relaxed and to develop a relationship in a secure, welcoming environment. 

I have worked with children for 35 years, as a teacher, in senior management and as a child counsellor. I have therefore long experience of the mainstream primary/prep school environment and some of the issues children may need counselling and support with. I have also experience of working in Secondary Mainstream working with teenage girls. 

My practice is home based in a space offering children play, creative and talking opportunities in a secure and welcoming environment.

Before becoming a counsellor I had many years working with children in schools as a teacher,  special needs teacher, Deputy and Head Teacher and I understand how important well being is to their development in every area.

I like to meet with parents before the first session to discuss their child, their expectations and answer any questions they may have about the sessions. I have been working with children and their  parents for many years and understand what a difficult and daunting process parenting can be.

I work by following the child/young person in what they wish to communicate and how they wish to express themselves in my sessions and working with them on this at their own pace. I  have found this process to be the most effective way of successful communication in my practice.

I spend the first session talking through, at an age appropriate level, what they may expect when they come to counselling and setting safe boundaries so the child gains confidence in the process and so they can ask any questions they may have. This can be revisited at any time on an ongoing basis. 

In the initial pre-session parent meeting I will ask some questions from a short assessment. This can be sent prior to the meeting if wished. 

In the first session the child will be asked to sign (at age appropriate level) a written (or drawn)  a contract ensuring they understand the basic issues and boundaries of the counselling space.