This appointment is longer, lasting around 90 minutes. During this time we gather important information about the young person including why they are entering in to therapy, what their goal are and what their presenting concerns are. Our aim is to get to know not just important developmental, historic and current information, but also to get to know a little about their character and personality. We want this session to start to shape a picture of what approach is going to benefit them most.

We also take this opportunity to explain what a mental health nurse is and how we can support them through their journey.

Session 1: Understanding Anxiety (50 minutes):
Psycho-education on the nature of anxiety.
Identifying individual anxiety triggers and symptoms.
Introduction to the cognitive-behavioural model of anxiety.

Session 2: Relaxation and Coping Skills (50 minutes):
Teaching relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation).
Introducing cognitive restructuring techniques (challenging negative thoughts).
Providing personalised coping strategies.

Session 3: Exposure and Facing Fears (50 minutes):
Developing a hierarchy of feared situations.
Introducing gradual exposure techniques.
Practicing coping skills in challenging situations.

Session 4: Maintaining Progress and Relapse Prevention (50 minutes):
Reviewing progress and identifying areas for continued growth.
Developing a relapse prevention plan.
Providing ongoing resources and support information.

Session 1: Identifying School Stressors (50 minutes):
Exploring academic pressures, social challenges, and time management issues.
Identifying individual stressors and their impact.

Session 2: Study Skills and Time Management (50 minutes):
Teaching effective study strategies and time management techniques.
Developing personalised study plans.

Session 3: Building Healthy Relationships (50 minutes):
Exploring healthy relationship dynamics.
Teaching skills for managing peer conflict.

Session 4: Managing Test Anxiety (50 minutes):
Techniques for managing test anxiety.
Cognitive restructuring relating to tests.

Session 1: Understanding Self-Harm (50 minutes):
Exploring the underlying reasons for self-harm.
Identifying triggers and warning signs.

Session 2: Safety Planning (50 minutes):
Developing a personalised safety plan.
Identifying coping strategies and support systems.

Session 3-5: Coping Skills Development (50 minutes each):
Teaching emotional regulation techniques (e.g., mindfulness, distress tolerance).
Developing alternative coping strategies.
Teaching and practicing distraction techniques.

Session 6: Communication and Support (50 minutes):
Teaching communication skills.
Identifying support systems.

Session 7: Relapse Prevention and Review (50 minutes each):
Developing a relapse prevention plan.
Reviewing progress and identifying areas for continued growth.

Session 1: Understanding Self-Esteem (50 minutes):
Exploring the development of self-esteem.
Identifying negative self-talk and limiting beliefs.

Session 2: Challenging Negative Thoughts (50 minutes):
Teaching cognitive restructuring techniques.
Identifying and challenging negative self-talk.

Session 3: Identifying Strengths and Values (50 minutes):
Exploring personal strengths and values.
Developing a positive self-image.

Session 4: Setting Achievable Goals (50 minutes):
Teaching goal-setting techniques.
Developing realistic and achievable goals.

Session 5: Assertiveness Training (50 minutes):
Teaching how to be assertive.
Planning for continued self-esteem building.

Session 1: Understanding Friendships and Identifying Social Styles (50 minutes)
Discussion about what makes a good friend, and different types of friendships.
Identifying the client's strengths and challenges in social situations.
Introduction to different social styles.
Psycho-education on the impact of social isolation and loneliness.

Session 2: Communication Skills and Initiating Conversations (50 minutes)
Teaching active listening skills.
Practicing open-ended questions and conversation starters.
Role-playing scenarios for initiating conversations.
Techniques for managing social anxiety during conversations.
Understanding non-verbal communication.

Session 3: Building Social Confidence and Managing Conflict (50 minutes)
Identifying and challenging negative self-talk related to social situations.
Developing assertiveness skills.
Strategies for managing conflict and resolving disagreements.
Role-playing scenarios for navigating challenging social situations.
Learning techniques for dealing with rejection or social exclusion.

Session 4: Maintaining Friendships and Online Social Skills (50 minutes)
Discussing the importance of showing appreciation and support in friendships.
Strategies for maintaining friendships over time.
Understanding the dynamics of online friendships and social media.
Learning about online safety and responsible social media use.
Developing skills for managing online conflict and cyber bullying.
Review of skills learned and development of a personal action plan.

Our ongoing sessions are aimed at supporting the young person to continue to thrive and to support them to maintain the strategies they have learnt or provide therapeutic interventions if new concerns arise.