Frequently Asked Questions

We provide one-to-one counselling for children and young people aged 4–18, using creative, playful, and relational approaches in a safe, supportive space. Sessions can be held at The Clinic at Borde Hill in Haywards Heath.

We also offer:

• Parent and carer sessions – to help you understand your child’s emotional world and find practical ways to support them at home.
   
• School-based sessions – where appropriate and permitted.
   
• Liaison with schools and professionals – to ensure joined-up support around your child’s needs.
   

Support is available for a wide range of challenges, including child anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement, family changes, identity and self-confidence, autism and ADHD support, trauma, and attachment difficulties.

Our approach is always child-centred, working at your child’s pace to build trust, emotional resilience, and wellbeing

 Little Lighthouse Therapy is led by Kerri Potter, a fully qualified Psychotherapeutic Child Counsellor MBACP. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I work to high professional and ethical standards and follow the BACP’s code of practice.

I hold specialist training in working therapeutically with children and young people aged 4–18, including those who are neurodivergent, have experienced trauma, or are navigating attachment-related challenges. My approach is integrative, drawing on creative, play-based, and talking therapies to meet each child’s unique needs.

I also undertake regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development to ensure my work remains current, safe, and effective. This includes training in neurodiversity-affirming practice, trauma-informed care, and attachment-focused therapy.

Little Lighthouse Therapy is based at The Clinic at Borde Hill in Haywards Heath. 

 You can book an appointment with Little Lighthouse Therapy by  filling out an online booking form on our website.

 Sessions are held once a week, at the same time and place, to help create a sense of consistency and emotional safety. Counselling runs during school term time 

  I offer flexible payment options to make things as easy as possible for families.

• Child therapy sessions can be paid for in blocks of 6 or 12 in advance, or after each session using convenient tap-and-go payment.
  If you choose to book 12 sessions in advance, you’ll receive a £10 discount as a thank-you.
   
• Parent sessions are paid 24 hours in advance via a simple payment link, giving you a quick and secure way to confirm your booking.

 I review my fees once a year, usually in July,  and any changes will take effect from September of the same year.

If you need to cancel a session, please let us know as soon as possible by email. We kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice.

Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice may still be charged, except in cases of emergency or illness..

Yes — counselling is a confidential space, and your child’s privacy is treated with the utmost care. Feeling safe and trusted is essential for children to open up and explore their thoughts and feelings.

As a parent or carer, I will keep you informed about how your child is engaging with therapy and may share general themes that emerge, but I will not disclose the specific details of what your child says in sessions unless they have given permission. This helps protect their trust and sense of ownership over the work.

There are some important exceptions. If I believe your child — or someone else — is at risk of serious harm, I have a legal and ethical duty of care to share this information with the appropriate people. Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you (and with your child, where appropriate) before taking further action.

I explain confidentiality clearly to each child in a way that is age-appropriate, so they understand the counselling space is theirs — and that I will always be honest with them if something needs to be shared to keep them or someone else safe.

If your child is also receiving support in school or from other professionals, and with your consent, I can work in partnership with teachers, SENCOs, or other services. This joined-up approach can strengthen the support your child receives across home, school, and therapy.

Little Lighthouse Therapy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. Every child has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported.

As a registered psychotherapeutic child counsellor (MBACP), I follow clear safeguarding procedures in line with UK legislation and BACP ethical standards. I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate and regularly undertake safeguarding and child protection training.

Any concerns regarding a child’s safety will be handled sensitively, with the child’s best interests at heart. Where appropriate, concerns may be shared with parents, schools or external safeguarding services.

If you would like a copy of our Safeguarding Policy, please email Kerri Potter, Designated Safeguarding Lead, at kerri@littlelighthousetherapy.co.uk.

At Little Lighthouse Therapy, your privacy is taken seriously. This policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect personal information.

What information do we collect?

• Your name, contact details, and relationship to the child
   
• The child’s name, age, school, and relevant medical or developmental history
   
• Notes from therapy sessions
   
• Information provided by professionals (with your consent)

Why do we collect this information?

• To deliver appropriate counselling support
   
• To communicate with parents/carers
   
• To work in collaboration with schools and other professionals (where appropriate)

How is your Data stored?

All information is stored securely in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Paper notes are kept in locked storage, and digital records are password-protected and encrypted where possible.

Sharing information

Information will never be shared without your consent unless:

• There is a safeguarding concern about a child or vulnerable adult
   
• We are required to do so by law or a court order

How long do we keep information?
Client records are stored securely for up to 7 years following the end of therapy (or until the child turns 25), in line with guidance from professional bodies such as BACP.

You have the right to access, correct or request deletion of your personal data. Please contact Kerri Potter at kerri@littlelighthousetherapy.co.uk with any concerns.

Yes. At Little Lighthouse Therapy, we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and affirming space for all children, young people, and families. I welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including neurodivergence, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, culture, and family structure.

We have a Diversity and Inclusion Policy, which outlines how we work to ensure everyone feels safe, valued, and supported in therapy. In addition, we have a dedicated Neurodiversity Policy, which reflects our commitment to affirming and supporting neurodivergent children and young people in ways that honour their unique ways of being.

We continually reflect on  prouractice to challenge bias, reduce barriers, and promote equality. If you’d like to read either policy or talk about how we can best support your family’s needs, please email Kerri Potter at Kerri@littlelighthousetherapy.com

At Little Lighthouse Therapy, we strive to provide a warm, respectful and professional service. However, if you are unhappy with any aspect of your experience, please do not hesitate to raise your concerns.

Step 1: Informal Procedure

Most issues can be resolved through open and honest communication. You are welcome to contact us directly via email to discuss your concern.

Step 2: Formal Complaint

If the issue is not resolved informally, you may submit a formal complaint in writing. You will receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days and a full response within 21 working days.

Step 3: External Bodies

If you remain dissatisfied, you may contact the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They provide an independent process for addressing professional complaints:

www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/protecting-the-public/complaints-and-conduct

Your feedback is always valued and helps to ensure a safe, ethical and supportive service.