Counselling for Young Adults (18 – 25 years)

Some young people come to counselling knowing exactly what they want to talk about, whilst others arrive feeling unsure, blank, or uncertain where to begin — all of which Paula is experienced in working with.
Paula recognises that talking is not always where someone’s best processing happens. Where appropriate, sessions may also incorporate images, creative materials, games, or other activities. Working visually or engaging in practical activities can reduce pressure and support communication in a more comfortable and accessible way. Young people are not expected to sit still, maintain eye contact, or engage in conversation in ways that feel unnatural to them.
Rather than following a rigid script or manual, Paula adapts her approach to the individual. For those who benefit from a more active style of therapy, she can take a more directive approach than traditional counselling models. She will actively support young people to structure their thoughts, recognise patterns, and navigate situations that may feel messy, stuck, or emotionally overwhelming.
Many of the young adults Paula works with appear to manage outwardly whilst struggling internally, particularly during periods of transition such as moving on from school into adulthood. She frequently supports individuals who are neurodivergent or experiencing difficulties related to anxiety, low mood, burnout, identity, past experiences, unhelpful coping strategies, or challenging relationships — often where several of these factors overlap.
Paula’s role is to help young people understand what may be contributing to their difficulties, explore where certain coping patterns may have developed from, and consider what may need to change moving forward. She works in a clear, grounded, and collaborative way, avoiding unnecessary jargon and regularly checking that the young person feels understood.
Whilst Paula does not push for change before someone feels ready, she remains actively engaged throughout the therapeutic process. Her aim is to help young people develop a clearer understanding of themselves, respond to themselves with greater compassion and less judgement, and move towards a way of living that feels more authentic, manageable, and aligned with who they are becoming.