Children and Young People
Explore our range of services to find the right fit for you
Featured inRelationships England and Wales
BACP
The Counselling Directory
Counselling for Children & Young People
Relationship and Family Therapy (RAFT) Ltd provides mental health support to children and young people across Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, New Forest, Hampshire and South Wiltshire. We have a team of over 20 counsellors working at our centre, outposts and across participating schools. Online services are available for ages 11 and above.
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We offer counselling to young people from 11+ and children from age 6+. We help them to work through difficult feelings in an age-appropriate way. Many of our clients are experiencing overwhelm at school or home and need a safe space to process and overcome obstacles. Whether it’s exam stress, relationship difficulties, bullying, self-harm or struggles associated with SEND, our team are experienced in putting children at ease and providing both short and longer term support.
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Children and young people can be referred to our centre directly by a parent or guardian, through a partner agency or through their school. We offer subsidies for families on low incomes as well as some school-funded sessions.
We are able to offer services both via webcam and face to face for children aged 11+, or families. For under 11's we can provide webcam sessions with a parent present. -
What about children or young people on the CAMHS waiting list?
RAFT understand that the demand for statutory services is frequently high and children need support while they’re waiting. Our Counsellors can work with children and young people who are awaiting assessment or treatment with CAMHS. You do not need a diagnosis to access RAFT counselling.
We cannot offer therapy at the same time as other counselling treatment, but it is common for clients to pause sessions where needed and return to them at a later date.
Do RAFT offer CBT Counselling?
Our counsellors are trained in humanistic integrative modalities, with many also holding additional qualifications including CBT. If you would like us to work specifically within the CBT modality, please ask for this at the beginning so we can allocate you to a counsellor who holds a CBT qaulification.
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Self-funded sessions cost £70 each and are delivered weekly.
Bursary support is available for low income families.
RAFT also hold some contracts with partner agencies with limited funded spaces available for children and families in greatest need.
If you cannot afford the full counselling contribution, please call to speak to our friendly team to see how we can help.
Why choose RAFT?
Experienced Providers
Delivering specialist relationship counselling since 1958. Formerly a federated Relate charity, RAFT is a current member of the Relationships England and Wales Network
Confidential Support
RAFT are a trusted provider of specialist counselling. We pride ourselves on providing a high quality, confidential service that you can trust. As an Organisational Member, we adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.
Individual and Relationship therapy
Unlike most providers, as a former Relate charity, RAFT specialises in both individual and systemic relationship therapy, providing holistic insight into your situation.
Accessible
RAFT strive to provide an accessible service to reduce barriers to support such as finance, communication and disability. We offer online services from the comfort of your own home.
Support for Parents and Carers
When children and young people struggle with their mental health, it can impact the whole family. At RAFT we offer coaching to parents and carers to assist them in providing the best possible support to the children they care for.
Family coaching is attended by parents or carers only - either individually or with a partner, ex or co-parent where appropriate. Our experienced Coaches can support you face to face or online. We offer 6-week courses of coaching
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