Children and Young People's Counsellor

Master’s Degree (MSc) in Counselling Children & Young People  
My name is Serena Dolphin and I am a Children & Young Peoples’s Therapist, working with  Ages 5- 25, BACP registered | Evidence informed counselling for anxiety, emotional regulation & wellbeing. I accept self and professional referrals.

Emotional Wellbeing

I provide effective support to children and adolescents focused on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. I help them understand and manage their emotions, cope with depression and anxiety, and develop inner strength and self-belief. My approach is gentle, collaborative and chid centred, always at their pace.

Personal Development

I help young people notice their strengths and what truly matters to them, set meaningful goals, and feel more confident in who they are. Together, we look at what might be getting in the way and find realistic, compassionate ways to move forward.

Academic Success

I support children and young people with the worries, stress and pressure that can build around school, college and exams. For those with ADHD and other neurodivergent needs, I can also help with tools around time management, organisation, procrastination and prioritising, in a way that feels doable and kind, not overwhelming.

Relationship Building

I help you build trusting and empathic relationships with yourself and others. I work on creating a safe and confidential space where you feel accepted and valued as you are, allowing you to explore, process and express your feelings, develop self-esteem and resilience, and improve your communication and social skills.

Background & Therapeutic Approach

My background is counselling children, young people and young adults, with a focus on providing a safe, supportive and developmentally appropriate theraputic space. I work in a calm relational way, helping young people explore their thoughts and feelings at a pace that feels right for them. My approach is informed by evidence based practice.

I have over 18 years experience working with children, families, adolescents and young adults in settings including schools, the NHS, youth services and private practice. I’m a registered member of BACP, and registered with ICO. I also hold an enhanced DBS check for working with children and young people 

I am deeply passionate about supporting children and young people’s emotional wellbeing, with a particular specialism in anxiety, emotional regulation  and associated difficulties. This includes young people who experience overwhelm, big emotions, shutdowns, panic, school avoidance or struggles managing day to day stress. I also work extensively with neurodivergent young people who may need a more flexible, attuned, and sensory aware approach to help them regulate their emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable. My aim is is always to help young people build insight, confidence and practical tools so they can navigate their emotions with greater ease and resilience. 

I have a strong track record of engaging young people who may be anxious, reluctant or unsure about therapy, including those who have previously found it difficult to access support. My approach is warm, calm and child centred. I create a safe, confidential space where young people feel accepted and understood, working at their pace and using age appropriate, integrative therapeutic methods. 

At the heart of my work is a belief in every young persons ability to grow, heal and make sense of their experiences. I am able to build a trusting, collaborative relationship and help them explore their emotions, understand themselves more deeply and develop, practical, compassionate they can use in their everyday lives.