Supporting children and young people in North London

Counselling support illustration

BACP qualified counsellor providing safe, confidential support for young people aged 9–18. School-based counselling that fits around your child's day.

Welcome

Hi, I'm Saba 👋

I'm a BACP qualified counsellor specialising in supporting children and young people aged 9–18. I understand that childhood and adolescence can bring challenges – from anxiety and low mood to school-related stress and the ups and downs of growing up.

Through school-based counselling, I provide a safe, confidential space where young people can explore their feelings, build coping strategies, and develop resilience. Sessions take place during the school day, making support accessible without disrupting family routines. I offer affordable counselling to make professional support accessible to more families.

Saba Khalil, Child and Young Person Counsellor

Why young people's mental health matters

The mental health crisis affecting young people in the UK is growing. Access to timely, professional support can make a real difference.

1 in 5 young people aged 8-25 had a probable mental health condition in 2023
50% of people with lifetime mental illness first show symptoms by age 14
30% of 11-16 year olds with a probable mental health condition missed a week or more of school in 2023
78,577 young people waiting over a year for mental health treatment from the NHS in 2023/24
What is counselling

Counselling and therapy

Counselling and therapy involves talking about feelings, thoughts and experiences. Children and young people can also explore these things through art and play. You might sometimes hear it being called 'talking therapy' or 'psychotherapy'.

"Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and understood."

Counselling helps children by:

Feeling safe and supported

  • Providing a safe, confidential space to talk, play, and express feelings
  • Helping children feel heard, accepted, and understood
  • Building a trusting relationship where children can be themselves

Understanding emotions

  • Learning to name and recognise different feelings
  • Making sense of confusing thoughts and experiences
  • Improving communication and social skills

Building skills and resilience

  • Teaching healthy ways to cope with worries, stress, and big feelings
  • Supporting emotional regulation and reducing overwhelm
  • Building self-esteem, confidence, and a positive sense of self
  • Strengthening resilience and problem-solving skills

Processing and healing

  • Working through difficult experiences such as loss, change, or trauma
  • Reducing anxiety, low mood, and behavioural difficulties

Many parents seek counselling because they sense their child is struggling and want to offer the right support. You may notice changes in your child's emotions or behaviour and feel unsure how best to help. Reaching out for counselling doesn't mean you've failed, it shows care, attention, and a desire to help your child feel safe and understood. Counselling provides a gentle space where children can explore their feelings at their own pace, while parents can feel reassured they are taking a positive step for their child's wellbeing.

Services

Areas of support

I work with children and young people experiencing a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Anxiety and worry icon

Anxiety and worry

Support for managing anxious thoughts and feelings that affect daily life.

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Low mood

Help for children and young people experiencing persistent sadness or low mood.

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School-related stress

Support with academic pressure, exam anxiety, and school avoidance.

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Self-esteem and confidence

Building a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence.

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Emotional regulation

Learning to understand and manage difficult emotions effectively.

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Neurodivergence

Support for neurodivergent young people navigating emotional challenges.

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Life changes

Help processing and adapting to significant changes affecting children and young people.

School-based counselling

I offer on-site counselling at schools across North London, including Barnet, Enfield, Finchley, Southgate, Mill Hill, and Muswell Hill. Sessions take place during the school day in a private room, providing the least disruption to your child's routine.

  • 50-minute sessions during school hours
  • Safe, confidential space on-site
  • Minimal disruption to learning
  • Collaboration with parents and schools
  • Ages 9–18 welcome
School-based counselling
"Small steps can lead to big changes."

Getting started

Taking the first step towards support is straightforward. Here's what happens next.

1

Get in touch

Contact me via the form or email. I respond within 1 working day.

2

Free consultation

We'll have an initial conversation to understand your child's needs.

3

Begin sessions

Sessions start at school, building a safe, supportive space for your child.