Counsellor for teenagers

[Bioilail]

NC
Hi everyone. I am a middle aged woman with 2 teens myself. I have been working with teenagers for the last 10 years and have recently qualified as a counsellor of teenagers. I am beginning to consider quitting my day job and set up in private practice. I am aware of how long teenagers have to wait to be seen by camhs, even after the first assessment, and how important having a safe space is for this age group.
As I am thinking of my website and how I'm going to market my services I wanted to ask you, what would ultimately attract you and, most importantly, your teen to see someone?

I was on a webinar with someone in similar work the other day and she offers sessions where they can come with a friend, which I thought was brilliant.

Of course it must mean it's a more general "introductory" type session and not proper counselling but might serve as a way in.

Massive problem with my teens and those I know not wanting to engage.

I'd want to know your experience in specific areas.

Being upfront about cost.

Offering weekend sessions

If I was looking for a counsellor for my dd, I think I'd want to know what your qualifications and professional accreditations were, and how much experience you had had, both in terms of overall number of years and also experience of dealing with particular issues. If I'm totally honest, I'd be hesitant about using someone who had only just qualified, but I guess some people would be ok with that, especially if your lack of experience was reflected fairly in your rates.

I agree that being upfront about charges would be important, as well as a convenient location and flexible time slots. Some pictures of your counselling space would probably be helpful too.

I'm not sure that I'd be particularly interested in the fact that you have your own kids, or in your pre-qualification experience of working with teenagers, unless it was obviously relevant to your counselling practice. Partly because I've worked with teens for years too, and I know it doesn't qualify me to counsel them.

Thank you everyone.

AlexaShutUp I do understand, but all of us have to start somewhere. Having worked in mental health for many years with teenagers, I know that many certificates on the wall and years of experience don't necessarily equate to being able to establish an effective therapeutic relationship with a teen, which is essential. My fee will be towards the lower end of the bracket, definitely, not only to reflect the fact that I am newly qualified, but also because I truly want my service to be accessible to all those teenagers spending months or even years waiting for support from camhs.
JanFebAnyMonth that's really interesting. My initial sessions are a conversation with the teen and their parents/carers. I wonder how confidentiality works with a teen that's brought a friend over...
I will definitely be offering Saturday sessions because again, having worked in the sector for many years, I know how anxiety inducing missing lessons, having to leave a lesson or return late can be for teens.

If anyone has any ideas for what name my practice could have (apart from my own name), I am listening!

Op where are you based? I'd want to know if others recommend you - obviously not easy when starting out but certainly after a month or so.
I'd want to know areas of expertise and availability for support between sessions.

Photos of where you would meet the patient would be good to see on the website as well as an 'about me' section.

I'd definitely want to see what you look like, your fees, the space you work from, and I would read with interest your website, see how you come across. I'd definitely want someone that comes across as a warm, caring person without being soppy and using lots of cliché talk.

The option for zoom calls and definately after school or weekend sessions since some kids don't want their peers or the school knowing they are having counselling.