Child counselling at school

[Usernname1234]

Few months ago school has referred a 10yo child to targeted services for counselling because of emotional problems /mentioned hurting himself .
We were put on waiting list and just now received letter to say sensions will start soon.
The child however is much better now( it was due to bullying and other things at school) and doesn't want to see counsellor. We don't want to push him to do it.
Can we withdraw consent even tho it was school who insisted on it?

Has anyone found counseling for their child helpful ?

Many thanks

Ds is 15 and autistic and his school have organised 5 sessions of counselling through the local authority (unfortunately we have been told we have to pay for it). Ds has had quite significant mental health issues but his camhs referral has been rejected. He's only had a couple of sessions so far so can't really say if it's helping.

I would not want to push a child to participate if they were not wanting it, especially if their mental health has improved. Have you mentioned to the school that things seem a lot better?

No one can be forced to have counselling. The child will be given the same respect as an adult and will have an introductory session to have counselling and expectations for both sides explained to them. He could try this and then decide if he wants to continue.

If he doesn’t want to go to the introduction then let someone know ASAP as there will be a long waiting list.

Thanks for the replies .

Does the school have a say in this?
The child is on SEN register due to the extra helps he gets for emotional needs .

The child has the final say as you can’t be counselled if you don’t want it. I have no doubt the Counsellor (If qualified) will have the skills to encourage him to relax and talk and once accepted it could be a skill building experience for him. If he’s against it in the first place though...

Are you happy for him to have it? Some parents can be suspicious of it but no doubt the Counsellor would answer any of your questions.

If he doesn’t want to attend simply tell the school that things have moved on and he’s not in need of that support at the moment. They can then offer his space to another child who may need it which would be a better use of resources. If things change and he does need counselling at another point you can refer him back in again. It’s nit compulsory and it’s not at all unusual for things to change while someone is on the waiting list and for them to withdraw, it’s totally fine for him to change his mind.