Specialist therapeutic support for Adopted and Looked After Children

Kalmer Counselling has a contract with Adopt North East which is a partnership of five Local Authorities - Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland, providing adoption services to children and their families.
We are proud to be a leading provider of specialised counselling for adopted and looked-after children in the North East. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges these children face, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective, and personalised support that helps them navigate their emotional and psychological needs.

Our Approach

At Kalmer Counselling, our approach is rooted in understanding, empathy, and specialised knowledge. We work closely with children, their families, and caregivers to provide support that is tailored to each child’s specific needs. Our goal is to help them process their experiences, build self-esteem, and develop the emotional tools they need to thrive.

• Trauma-Informed Therapy: Adopted and looked-after children have experienced trauma that affects their emotional and psychological well-being. Our counsellors are trained in trauma-informed approaches, ensuring that therapy is conducted in a way that is sensitive to the child’s past experiences. Techniques such as play therapy and creative medias are often employed to help children process and heal from their trauma.
• Attachment-Focused Therapy: Forming and maintaining secure attachments can be a significant challenge for adopted and looked-after children. Our counsellors use attachment-based therapies to help children develop healthier, more secure relationships with their caregivers and others in their lives. This might involve working on trust, communication, and understanding within the family unit, and helping the child navigate the complexities of their feelings about attachment and identity.
• Support for Identity and Self-Esteem: Adopted and looked-after children often struggle with issues of identity and self-worth. Our therapy sessions provide a safe space for children to explore questions about their past, their place in the world, and their future. We work on building a strong, positive sense of self, helping children to understand and accept their unique identities, and empowering them to embrace their individuality with confidence.
• Family and Caregiver Insight: We understand that the challenges faced by adopted and looked-after children also impact their families and caregivers. At Kalmer Counselling, we offer support and guidance to families, helping them to better understand their child’s needs and how to support them effectively.
• Behavioural and Emotional Support: Children may display a range of behavioural and emotional difficulties, such as anger, anxiety, or withdrawal. Our counsellors work with the child to identify the underlying causes of these behaviours and develop strategies for managing them in healthier ways. By addressing these challenges early on, we help children build resilience and emotional regulation skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Why Choose Kalmer Counselling?

Kalmer Counselling is committed to providing a service that is not only professional but deeply empathic to the needs of adopted and looked-after children. Our therapists are experts in this field, with specialised training and a genuine passion for helping these children overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.

We believe in a holistic approach, recognising the importance of working not just with the child, but with their entire support system, including families, caregivers, and other professionals involved in their care. This collaborative approach ensures that the child receives comprehensive support that addresses all aspects of their well-being.

Empowering Children to Thrive

At Kalmer Counselling, our mission is to empower adopted and looked-after children to lead fulfilling, emotionally healthy lives. We are here to support them every step of the way, helping them to process their past experiences, build positive relationships, and develop a strong, positive sense of self.

If you are seeking specialised counselling for an adopted or looked-after child, Kalmer Counselling is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your child’s journey toward emotional well-being and happiness.