Dee Emerson Counselling
Counselling For Children & Young People (8-25)
I’m Dee Emerson, a qualified and experienced counsellor. I have a First-Class Honours Degree in Applied Social Sciences and have completed advanced specialist training in counselling children and young people, accredited by the National Counselling Society.
I have been counselling since 2013, and alongside my private practice, I also work as a senior counsellor for Let's Talk Well, providing professional counselling within local schools, including grammar and private schools.
At my practice in Great Oldbury, Stonehouse, I provide a safe, supportive space where your child can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what they are going through.
I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss what is going on for your child and how I can help.
How I Can Help
I imagine you are reading this because you, or your child or young person may be finding things difficult right now.
I recognise how hard it can be for children to understand and explain what is going on for them, and how they often express this struggle through their behaviour. I understand how challenging and confusing this can be for them and those around them.
I also recognise how challenging adolescence can be for those experiencing it, and those supporting a young person through it. Relationships, friendships, the pressure of schoolwork and exams, the difficulty of being in a changing body, and the pressure to work out who you are and where you fit in the world, can be overwhelming.
Sometimes, no matter how well children or young people get on with their parents, they may find it difficult to talk to them. This is where I can help.
My Approach
My approach is a gentle, honest, and supportive approach that draws on a range of therapeutic ideas and strategies that are safely integrated to meet individual needs. I place the counselling relationship at the heart of the work that is done, and am client led in the pace and direction the work takes.
I work creatively to help young people explore their difficulties and express themselves, and with children, employ age-appropriate play-based activities.
What I Can Help With
Anxiety & Worry
Low Mood & Depression
Anger & Emotional Regulation
Stress (school, exams, friendships)
Bereavement & Loss
Trauma
Self-Esteem & Confidence
Self-Harm
Identity & LGBTQ+ Support
Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism)
OCD & Obsessive Thoughts
Relationship & Family Difficulties
Abuse
Life Transitions
School & Learning Difficulties
Suicidal Thoughts
Appointment Information
My practice is located in a private garden room in Great Oldbury, Stonehouse. It offers a contained, calm and confidential environment in which to work.
I offer a free 20 minute phone call to discuss what is going on for the child or young person and to answer any questions.
If the child or young person is aged 16 or under, this will be completed with their parent/carer/guardian. The child or young person can be present if they would like
If the young person is aged 17 or over, the phone call will be conducted with them.
After this, an appointment for an assessment session can be made. This appointment will last for 50 minutes and be charged at my usual rate of £50 per session.
A parent/carer/guardian will need to attend the assessment session for a child or young person aged 16 or under. A young person aged 17 or over can choose to bring a family member or trusted friend or attend their assessment session on their own.
This first session provides an opportunity for the child or young person to experience what counselling is like and decide whether it is something they feel able to commit to. During this session we will establish aims and expectations for counselling and decide if we are the right fit to work together.
Appointment Information
My practice is located in a private garden room in Great Oldbury, Stonehouse. It offers a contained, calm and confidential environment in which to work.
I offer a free 20 minute phone call to discuss what is going on for the child or young person and to answer any questions.
If the child or young person is aged 16 or under, this will be completed with their parent/carer/guardian. The child or young person can be present if they would like
If the young person is aged 17 or over, the phone call will be conducted with them.
After this, an appointment for an assessment session can be made. This appointment will last for 50 minutes and be charged at my usual rate of £50 per session.
A parent/carer/guardian will need to attend the assessment session for a child or young person aged 16 or under. A young person aged 17 or over can choose to bring a family member or trusted friend or attend their assessment session on their own.
This first session provides an opportunity for the child or young person to experience what counselling is like and decide whether it is something they feel able to commit to. During this session we will establish aims and expectations for counselling and decide if we are the right fit to work together.
Fees
Each counselling session costs £50. Payment is required the day before the session.
If a counselling session needs to be cancelled, I require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice otherwise the full session fee is payable. Where possible, I will always try and reschedule an appointment for the same week.
Block booking is available: If 5 sessions are booked in advance, you will receive 10% off the total price.
Experience
I have been counselling since 2013. Initially working with adults for a Gloucestershire based counselling charity (2013 – 2018) I then undertook post graduate training (2018) to specialise in working with children and young people.
Alongside my private practice, I currently work as a senior counsellor for another Gloucestershire based counselling charity working with 9 -25-year-olds. Within this role I have worked in schools in Cheltenham and the North Cotswolds and held the position of school counsellor at rural secondary school (2021-2023).
I have also held the position of school counsellor at a girls’ grammar school in Gloucester (2023-2024). I am currently working in schools within the Stroud district including primary, secondary, grammar and private schools.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Advanced Specialist Training in Counselling Children and Young People: Accredited by the National Counselling Society (2018)
Honours Degree (BSc Hons) in Applied Social Sciences: 1st Class Honours Degree (2016) University of Gloucestershire
Foundation Degree (FdA) in Therapeutic Counselling and Psychotherapy: Qualified with Distinction (2015) University of Gloucestershire
Level 3 in Counselling Studies (2012) Gloucestershire College
Level 2 in Counselling Skills (2011) Gloucestershire College
I am committed to ensuring that I can provide the best possible service and regularly update my knowledge and skills through continued professional development by attending conferences, training courses, and through self-study.
I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their Ethical Framework to ensure that I am practicing professionally and ethically.
Additional Information
My practice is located in a private garden room in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. It offers a contained, calm and confidential environment in which to work.
I offer a free 20 minute phone call to conduct a brief assessment of the child or young persons issues/reasons for seeking counselling, and to answer any questions.
If the child or young person is aged 16 or under, this will be completed with their parent/carer/guardian. The child or young person can be present if they so wish.
If the young person is aged 17 or over, the phone call will be conducted with them.
After this, an appointment for a full assessment session can be made. This appointment will last for 50 minutes and be charged at my usual rate of £50 per session.
A parent/carer/guardian will need to attend the assessment session for a child or young person aged 16 or under. A young person aged 17 or over can choose to bring a family member or trusted friend, or attend their assessment session on their own.
This first session provides an opportunity for the child or young person to experience what counselling is like and decide whether it is something they feel able to commit to. During this session we will establish aims and expectations for counselling, and determine whether we are the right fit to work together.
After this, if everyone is in agreement that counselling could be of benefit, further sessions will be arranged, and a contract to work together will be signed.
FAQ
Counselling can help if your child is struggling with things like anxiety, low mood, behaviour changes, or finding it hard to talk about their feelings. It offers a safe, supportive space where they can express themselves and begin to understand what’s going on for them.
This varies for each individual. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may need longer-term sessions. Progress is regularly reviewed to ensure counselling is helpful and the right fit.
You can get in touch via the contact form, phone, or email to arrange an initial consultation. This is a chance to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and see if counselling feels like the right step for your child.
Sessions are tailored to the child or young person. For younger children, this may include play and creative activities, while older clients may prefer talking. The sessions are gentle, supportive, and led at a pace that feels comfortable.
Confidentiality is very important in counselling, and what your child shares will usually remain private. However, if there are concerns about their safety or the safety of others, this may need to be shared appropriately. This will always be handled sensitively and discussed where possible.
Sessions are usually held weekly at the same time each week. However, for some families, every other week works better.