What is Children of Divorce?
At Children of Divorce, we provide counselling services for individuals who have experienced their parents divorce or separation, offering them a safe and supportive environment to navigate their emotions and adapt to changes in their family structure.
Divorce or separation can be a difficult and life-altering experience for everyone involved, but young people often feel the impact in unique and profound ways.
This service is for 5 to 25 year olds.
Leonie Nair - Counsellor (MSc, GMBPsS)
Hello! My name is Leonie
As a child of divorce myself I understand the struggles that this comes with. Personally, I have had counselling and EMDR therapy which has helped me massively during early adulthood.
I had therapy almost 10 years after my parents divorce and truly believe that having this as a child would have benefitted me massively. I spent many years experiencing the consequences of my parents divorce, from feeling like there were “sides” to living out of a suitcase due to travelling between parents every week. It was such a tough experience and if I had someone to speak to outside of my family I would have felt much more supported.
I am a 24 year old counsellor who was also a child of divorce which I feel benefits me to help young people as I can understand the struggles they may be feeling.
How can Children of Divorce benefit you or your child?
- Better Communication: Develop skills to communicate feelings in healthy ways, reducing the risk of behavioural issues.
- Emotional Healing and Resilience: Counselling provides a safe space to process feelings and build emotional resilience to handle life’s challenges more effectively.
- Learning Coping Strategies: Through breathing, grounding and mindfulness exercises, young people can develop the skills to manage their feelings.
Visit the Counselling by Leonie Etsy Store
Created by Leonie, a counsellor, these child-friendly resources are designed for children aged approximately 5–12 and are perfect for parents and caregivers, teachers and teaching assistants, school counsellors, and child therapists looking to support emotional wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem.
Click Here to Visit Etsy Store
What is the Children of Divorce counselling approach?
Play is a natural medium of communication for children. It allows them to explore and process complex emotions they may not have the vocabulary to express. Using games and puppetry is a great way to help children understand their family situation and how they feel about it.
Talking Therapy offers support and creates a safe space where individuals can express their feelings related to the divorce. It helps validate the person’s emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. It also helps them manage difficult feelings in healthy ways. Likewise, acknowledging strengths shifts the focus from the difficulties of divorce to the person’s ability to cope, helping them feel empowered and resilient.
Recognising and reframing unhelpful thoughts about the divorce, such as feelings of guilt or blame is very important. Challenging unhelpful beliefs and developing coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, sadness and stress is vital in self-growth. By learning coping strategies and problem-solving skills, healthier emotional responses and behaviours can be formed.
Education
- MSc Applied Clinical Psychology
- BSc Psychology (BPS accredited)
- Level 4 Diploma Counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- Enhanced DBS check (Issued in 2023)
- Verified by Psychology Today
- The British Psychological Society GMBPsS with GBC – Division of Counselling Psychology (DCoP) & Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families
Consultation
Are you or your child ready to take the first step?
Whether you’re a young child, teen, or young adult, a free 30-minute consultation is a great way to explore how counselling can support you through life’s challenges. From managing school stress and friendship struggles to finding ways to build self-confidence, I’m here to help you navigate it all.
Why Book a Consultation?
- Support for all ages: Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, a teen managing school or social pressures, or a young adult facing big life changes, I can help.
- A safe space: This session is all about listening to your needs and figuring out the best way to support you – no judgment, no pressure.
- Learn more: In this consultation, I’ll help you understand what counselling is all about, what it can do for you, and how we can work together to help you feel better.
What to Expect
- Friendly introduction: We’ll begin by getting to know you and your goals, whether it’s dealing with school stress, relationship issues, anxiety, or anything else.
- Exploration: We’ll talk about what you might be going through and how counselling can help.
- Ask Questions: You’ll have the chance to ask any questions you have about the process, how it works, and what happens next.
Children of Divorce Fees
Package6 Sessions
30 minute session
Ideal for those seeking shorter check-ins or focused support if attention span is an issue.
40 minute session
A great option for a gentle session exploring what’s going on through different approaches.
60 minute session
Best for a session where we can dive into what’s going on and work on solutions together.