Child and Adolescent Counselling in St Albans
Therapy for children and young people who are struggling with big feelings, anxiety, confidence, school worries or emotional overwhelm.
Hi, I’m Charlotte
I am a qualified child and adolescent counsellor and founder of The Happy Human Project. I offer warm, gentle and developmentally appropriate counselling for children and young people who may be finding life, school, friendships or emotions difficult to manage.
Bella, my gentle and well-trained therapy dog, can be present during sessions if you and your child feel this would be supportive. For children who may feel anxious, overwhelmed or unsure about counselling, this can help create a sense of safety and ease.
Of course, this is completely optional, and sessions can take place without Bella if preferred.
I hold an MSc in Counselling Children and Young People from the University of Northampton. I am also a registered member with the BACP (membership no. 01020169)
Counselling for children and teenagers
Children and young people do not always have the words to explain what they are feeling. Sometimes distress shows up as anxiety, anger, tearfulness, low confidence, withdrawal, school avoidance, friendship difficulties or emotional outbursts.
Counselling gives your child a safe space to explore what is going on for them, at their own pace, with someone who understands children’s emotional development and mental health.
I support children and young people with:
anxiety and excessive worrying
emotional regulation difficulties
low confidence and self-esteem
school anxiety and school refusal
friendship difficulties
bullying
panic attacks
perfectionism
emotional outbursts
family separation or divorce
grief and bereavement
neurodivergence (ADHD and autism)
sensory overwhelm
low mood
difficulty expressing feelings
Why families choose to work with me
Alongside my counselling training, I have years of experience supporting children's emotional wellbeing through The Happy Human Project, working directly with children in schools, holiday camps and wellbeing programmes across Hertfordshire. This means I understand not only what happens in the therapy room, but also the everyday challenges children face at school, at home and in friendships.
Families often choose to work with me because:
Therapy is tailored to your child. Every child experiences the world differently, so sessions are adapted to their age, personality, interests and individual needs.
I work beyond talking. Many children express themselves more comfortably through play, creativity, movement and emotional regulation activities rather than conversation alone.
I have extensive experience supporting children. Alongside private counselling, I have spent years working directly with children in schools, wellbeing programmes and holiday camps.
Bella, my gentle therapy dog, can be part of sessions. For children who feel anxious, overwhelmed or unsure about counselling, Bella can help create a sense of calm, safety and connection. Her involvement is always optional.
Parents are part of the journey. While sessions provide your child with their own confidential space, I believe parents play an important role and we'll keep in regular contact to support progress together.
My goal isn't to 'fix' children. I help children understand themselves, make sense of their emotions and develop the confidence and skills to navigate life's challenges in a way that feels right for them.Location
Counselling is available for families:
From my office in Markyate or where possible, at schools in St Albans, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Berkhamsted and wider Hertfordshire. You can also enquire about online sessions where appropriate.
You can also read more about my approach on my Psychology Today profile.
Meet Bella
Bella is my calm and gentle golden retriever who can join counselling sessions if your child would find this comforting.
Bella isn't there to "do therapy". She's simply another part of creating a space where children feel safe, accepted and under no pressure. For some children, having a calm dog nearby makes it easier to walk into the room, settle into the session or begin talking when they're ready.
Children might enjoy:
Sitting beside Bella
Stroking her while they talk
Giving her gentle commands or throwing her a toy
Simply knowing she's quietly resting nearby
Bella is a registered Pets As Therapy dog who also visits children on the children's ward at Luton and Dunstable Hospital. She has a naturally calm temperament and is used to spending time with children in healthcare and therapeutic settings, helping them feel more relaxed and at ease.
Bella is never part of sessions unless a child (and their parent) would like her to be. Many children choose to work without Bella, and that's absolutely fine too.
Frequently asked questions
What age do you work with?
I work with children and young people aged 4–17 years. Sessions are always adapted to your child's age, development and individual needs, whether that involves play, creative activities, conversation or a combination of approaches.
How do I talk to my child about counselling?
Many parents worry about introducing counselling, but it doesn't need to feel like a big or frightening conversation. We can talk about the best way to explain counselling in a way that feels appropriate for your child's age and personality. The aim is simply to help them understand they're meeting someone whose job is to listen and support them.
Is what my child says confidential?
Building trust is an important part of counselling, so sessions are confidential. However, I'll always work closely with parents while respecting your child's privacy. If I have concerns about your child's safety or someone else's safety, I'll always discuss the appropriate next steps with you.
Can I refer my child myself?
Yes. You don't need a referral from your GP or school. You can contact me directly to arrange a free discovery call where we can discuss your child's needs and whether counselling feels like the right next step.
How do I know if my child needs counselling?
Your child may benefit from counselling if they seem overwhelmed, anxious, withdrawn, angry, low in confidence, struggling with friendships, avoiding school or finding it hard to talk about their feelings.
Will my child have to talk the whole time?
No. My training is integrative, which means I draw upon many modalities, including play therapy, art therapy and dance/movement therapy. Children often process feelings through play, creativity, movement and metaphor. Sessions are adapted to your child’s age, personality and needs.
Do you work with autistic children or children with ADHD?
Yes, I have lots of experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people, including those with ADHD, autism and sensory differences.
I understand that every child experiences the world differently, and therapy is adapted to meet your child’s individual needs. This might include a more flexible, creative or sensory-based approach, depending on what helps your child feel most comfortable.
For many neurodivergent children, counselling can be especially valuable as it offers a space that is entirely theirs, where they don’t have to mask, fit into expectations, or keep up with others. Instead, we focus on understanding their experiences, supporting emotional regulation, and building confidence in a way that works for them.
If you’re unsure whether counselling would be the right fit for your child, I’m always happy to have an initial conversation.
How many sessions will my child need?
This depends on your child and what they are experiencing. Some families benefit from short-term support, while others prefer longer-term therapy.
Do parents attend the sessions?
Usually, the counselling space is for the child or young person and it’s important they feel some agency over this. However, parent involvement can be helpful, so we will keep in regular contact.
How much does it cost?
Sessions are £75.