Empowering pupils through school counselling and wellbeing support
For one pupil, progress might mean putting their hand up in class again after weeks of keeping quiet. For another, it could mean feeling comfortable enough to sit with friends at lunch. Those moments can make a difference to how a young person feels about coming to school, joining in and learning.
At Well Connections, we provide school counselling and pupil wellbeing support in North Yorkshire, including Harrogate and Knaresborough. Our trusted counsellors, therapists and psychologists give pupils space to talk and help them find ways of coping that work for them.
What can school counselling help with?
A pupil might be struggling with anxiety, low mood or exam stress. They might be dealing with bullying, difficulties with friends or changes at home. Some need support with the effects of trauma or with grief after a loss.
When anxiety or emotional distress makes attending school difficult, we can work with the pupil, their family and school. This includes support for pupils experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA).
We begin by listening to what the young person wants help with. One pupil may want to find a way to manage the worry they feel before a test. Another may need time to talk through a family change. Giving pupils a say in what they work on helps make the support relevant to their everyday lives.
Give pupils tools they can use
Support can help pupils recognise when emotions are building, find ways to settle and work out who to turn to for help. For example, a pupil who finds the classroom overwhelming might agree a quiet signal with a trusted teacher so they can ask for a moment to regroup. That gives them a way to ask for help when finding the words is difficult.
These skills can also help pupils handle setbacks and build resilience over time. What helps in a lesson might also come in handy at home or in a difficult conversation with a friend.
How schools can support pupil wellbeing
School staff can often see which parts of the day are hardest for a pupil and what already helps. Families can share what they’re seeing at home. We draw on both perspectives to plan support that fits the young person and sits alongside the school’s pastoral provision.
That might mean regular on-site counselling for pupils or wellbeing workshops for pupils and parents. We work with school leaders, SENCOs and pastoral teams to agree how pupils will be referred and how the support will fit into the school day. Explore our school counselling and wellbeing services.
Counselling for children and teenagers in Harrogate
If your child is anxious about going to school, finding friendships difficult or feeling low, you can get in touch with us directly. We’ll talk through what’s happening and help you find a practitioner with relevant experience. Meet our children and young people’s therapy team.