Jill Hunter

At the minute I have 2 available slots on a Monday eve, 6pm - 6.50pm and 7.10pm - 8.00pm

I tend to work in term time only but have some flexibility around this.

I will do my best to respond to any queries within 48hrs.

Jill Hunter MÂ鶹ԭ´´, Dip Child Counsellor - Next Chapter Counselling

Even in the best stories there are difficult chapters. We all need help at times, navigating the ups, downs, ins and outs of our own stories. I hope I can help turn the page to a new chapter or if needed start a new book.

I have 20 years experience working in schools with children and young people as a Teacher, Counsellor and Creative Arts Therapist. 

I trained at IATE in Integrative Arts and include different models of therapy in my work, drawing mainly from humanistic, psychodynamic and creative arts therapies. The use of the arts can be very helpful in exploring  and processing trauma, stress and anxiety. I use art, play, and creative expression, to help clients find ways to communicate when words may be difficult. 

My sessions are Child-led, allowing for autonomy, choice, and emotional safety.

Everyone holds the potential for growth and healing when met with understanding, acceptance, and creativity.

Experience

20+ years’ experience supporting children and young people in educational and therapeutic settings

Music  Teacher

Trained at IATE

Qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Â鶹ԭ´´)

Working in Primary and Secondary settings as a School Counsellor

Advisory Board member for Make A Wish

Extensive background in education, safeguarding, and child development

Therapeutic Lead with Schools Counselling Partnership

On going CPD 

 Who I Work With

Children and young people (age 5–18)

I also offer parental support which can be over the phone or on Zoom.

 Location & Availability

I am based in West London area - Acton, Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush

In-person sessions available.

I have 2 spaces at the min - Mon eve 6pm - 6.50pm, 7.10pm - 8pm

Sessions will usually be within in term time but there is flexibility around this.

The therapeutic space is a space for change. A space for you to want to be in.  It could feel like a relief to walk through the door and know you are accepted, safe, listened to and that another person is on your side. Even though the work itself can be challenging, upsetting and tricky, the space provided will be welcoming.

My role is to be your champion. We will build a relationship based on trust, warmth, acceptance, and understanding.

I encourage the children and young people I work with to lead each session. It is their story, their journey and I support them by noticing where their focus is, what is being avoided, and where their confusions lie.

Just talking to another person that is not a family member or friend can be enough but words can feel too hard to express or the words might not even be there. Offering other ways of expressing, communicating and exploring using drawing, play, clay and stories can open doors and turn pages that have felt stuck. It can feel safer to talk through metaphor and create other worlds.

The relationship we build between us is the most important part of the journey. It is my hope that the children and young people I work with can explore feelings, build resilience, and make sense of their experiences at their own pace.

We are looking to discover possibilities.

All artwork created within the space stays in the space as part of the own going work.  It can be taken home, if wanted, once the work is completed.

I will have had a preliminary meeting with a Parent/Carer to discuss the needs and worries of the Child/Young Person. There will also be a contract for them to sign with all practicalities covered.

The first session will be with the Child/Young person only and will be the standard 50 mins.  This time is for the counsellor and Child/YP to get to know each other, discuss rules for the room and create their own therapeutic contract. Any questions can be asked and full transparency will be shared as to why they are there. The experience would hopefully put to rest any worries or nervousness about the process.