We have three counsellors in Cathays High School. All are professionally qualified and very experienced therapists who have worked with hundreds of young people throughout their time as counsellors. You can choose to work with either Holly, Hannah or Rob if you wish.

Rob has worked with Cathays High as a counsellor since 2012 and has recently come on as a full-time member of staff. He has a great deal of experience in working with young people in secondary schools across Cardiff and Newport.

Rob loves being able to work with people to understand themselves better and once they have decided on the changes they want to make, figure out the best way to make it happen.

Rob is an integrative counsellor and is trained to work with Children and Young People using a tool kit of theory, creative methods and traditional talking therapy to explore any of the varied and important issues that young people bring. Above all this he understands that it is the relationship that is the most important part of the counselling process.

He is available Monday to Friday during term time.

I am a qualified Play and Filial Therapist and Therapeutic Life Story Work Practitioner with 10 years of experience. I have extensive experience of working with children and adolescents in both clinic and school settings. My approach is both child and adolescent centred, developmentally sensitive, attachment focused and rooted in creativity (sand tray, art , etc) as a powerful medium for self-expression and healing. I understand that sometimes, the words to describe feelings and events can be too difficult to find. This is why I value creativity as a safe way to express difficult feelings and events. At the same time, I recognise that children and adolescents want to talk, and that is also ok.

Whether through talking or creativity, I believe in the importance of creating a safe and trusting, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship without pressure where children and adolescents can begin to make sense of their experiences, build resilience and thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

Holly is available every Monday through term time.

My name is Hannah, and I am someone you can talk to about anything that’s on your mind- stress, school, friendships, family, feelings, or anything else. My job isn’t to judge you or tell you what to do. I am here to listen, help you figure things out, and support you in a way that works for you. I can help you see your strengths, learn new tools, and feel more in control of your life.

I provide a confidential space and use a range of approaches such as creative and person-centred therapies. My goal is to make this a space where you can be yourself!

I am available all day on Tuesdays.

“Every young person has a story that deserves to be heard, sometimes through words and sometimes through creativity, their voice becomes clear, and their story understood”

Counselling is confidential. This means that we don’t tell anyone about what you talk about in counselling. But sometimes we may have to tell someone else if, for example:

• Your life is in danger
• Another young person’s life is in danger
• You are hurting yourself
• Another young person is hurting themselves
• You have been hurt or abused by someone else
• Another young person is being abused

If we have to tell someone else about any of these things, we will discuss this with you first if possible, and try to make sure you understand why we have to tell someone else.

Apart from the types of serious concerns mentioned above, we don’t discuss what you talk about with your parents, carers or teachers unless you want us to. We may encourage you to talk to others about things that are bothering you, but it would still be your choice

Sometimes information we hold about a young person is requested by a judge. This does not happen very often but we have to share information if we are asked to do so.

Counsellors talk about their work with a supervisor on a regular basis.  In doing so, the counsellor will not tell the supervisor who you are and will not share any information that could identify you unless there is a need to keep you safe. In this case you will be named.

If you would like to talk to Rob or Holly then simply fill out the form below and we will be in touch to confirm and arrange an appointment:

CLICK HERE FOR TO ACCESS THE SELF REFFERAL FORM

If you feel that you’d rather access a counselling service online then you can go to Kooth who are Cardiff’s online counselling service and offer online counselling, discussion boards and other information and resources.

If you need help immediately, are feeling suicidal or are in any danger, then please talk someone now. If you don’t feel there is an adult you can trust then contact one of the services below for immediate help:

website: www.childline.org.uk

Available 24 hours a day for children and young people, help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor online, send ChildLine an email or post on the message boards

HOPELINEUK advisers want to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They also want to provide you with a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe.

• For children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide
• For anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide

9am – midnight every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)

Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/papyrus-hopelineuk/

Call 116 123

If you feel like you may attempt suicide, have seriously hurt yourself, this is an emergency. You can:

• Call 999and ask for an ambulance.
• Tell an adult you trust and ask them to call 999for help.

Mental health emergencies are serious. You aren’t wasting anyone’s time.