Counselling for Young Adults (18-25)

“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated. It may even be necessary to encounter the defeat, so that we can know who we are.”

Maya Angelou

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Looking for a counsellor can be daunting, but the important thing to remember is that my job is to work collaboratively with you, by creating a safe non-judgmental environment, secure in the knowledge that anything you say will be completely confidential.

As young adults, you are beginning to figure out where you fit in the world. It is a time for big changes accompanied by increased freedom and a sense of who you are. Perhaps you are starting work or going to university, and whilst this can be very exciting, this time of transition can at moments be unsettling and, for some, overwhelming.

For those continuing their educational journey, this is a period of change and a step into the unknown. Whilst moving away from home can feel liberating with a whole new level of independence it can also for some be a time of loneliness, homesickness, and low mood. Navigating more financial autonomy, new friendships and an academic workload that is a step up from that experienced at school can at times feel overwhelming.

Whether it is just a few sessions to check in and gain some insight or tools and strategies that may help or something a little more long term, I am here to help.

For many who have decided to go into the workspace, this brings its own set of challenges, from navigating moving out of home, or the stresses of not being able to be more independent, navigating workplace environments, the general stress of having to be more financially autonomous, and relationships, to name just a few.

Everybody has their own reasons for coming to therapy – what one person finds easy, can be a problem for someone else. You may be very clear about your reasons for wanting therapy or you may feel stuck and know you are struggling but are not quite sure why.

It is important to remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. My aim, as an integrative therapist, is to adapt my style to your unique needs and give my clients the ability to discover their own way forward with greater self-knowledge and self-belief.

Whether it is reflecting on the past or navigating challenging times in the present, I can help you to become more aware of yourself and help you to make choices, either with One-to-One Counselling at The Snug or via Zoom, or my Walk and Talk therapy.

Here are some of the issues I can help you with:

• General counselling
• Low confidence – self esteem
• Loneliness
• Financial issues
• Parenting – blended families – family issues
• Personal difficulties
• Relationships – friendships
• Work related issues

What to expect

Phone

The first step is to text me on 07715 296741 or email me at kimvond@hotmail.co.uk . I will get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a mutually convenient time to speak over the phone.

Talk

I offer a free 20-minute telephone appointment at a time suitable for both of us, to have an informal chat about how counselling works. This is an opportunity to find out a little bit of information about each other and for you to ask any questions you may have. We can then arrange a mutually convenient time for our initial consultation, and I will then email you a client consultation form to fill in and return prior to our initial meeting.

Initial Consultation

This is an opportunity to talk about why you think you need therapy. We explore these feelings and take the time to discuss what has been going on in your life. This will be the first time we have met, so whilst it is important to bring as much as you can in terms of yourself to the session, I always keep in mind that we do not know each other yet and the therapeutic relationship will organically happen over time. The key at this stage is for me to create an environment of trust from the start. 

This initial meeting allows you to ask anything about me and my approach, you may come with a list of questions, or you may feel that you just want a chat at this point – you are a blank canvas.  I will have sent you a client consultation form which you will have returned, and we will go through that together. After this initial consultation, I will email you with my thoughts and if you choose to go ahead, and I feel I am able to offer you effective therapeutic support and that my approach is going to be useful to you, we will arrange our first counselling session together. 

Counselling Sessions

Normally I would advise that these take place once a week on the same day at the same time. The reason for this is that it lowers the stress around attending therapy, creates often much needed stability and trust, and gives you more energy and attention for what really matters. However, I understand that this may not always be possible with work often coming in at the last minute and long unpredictable hours, so I am happy to be more flexible. 

I practise either face to face or via zoom, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 7pm, and Saturdays 10am until 1pm.