Kalmer Counselling Sessions
Our Counselling sessions are 50 minutes either online or in person and cost £50 - £65 depending on the counsellor.
Contact UsIn adolescence, young people are exploring and trying to define their identities whilst also coping with more independence and added pressure from societal expectations. This stage of life can be seen as one of transformation which also brings about challenges, such as mood swings, conflict with authority figures, peer pressure and struggles with forming their identity.
Identity Formation is a period of time which involves an intense exploration of identity.
Teenagers question “Who am I?” and “Where do I fit in?”.
During this phase they should start to develop a sense of self and experiment with different personas and roles. This is the time when peer influence becomes important as they seek acceptance and validation from their social groups.
Gender identity struggles are increasingly prevalent, especially among young people, as society grows more open about diverse gender expressions and identities. Studies show that a significant number of young people are experiencing challenges with gender identity; in the UK, around 2% of adolescents identify as transgender or gender diverse, with many reporting related mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Gender identity struggles can stem from a lack of societal acceptance, bullying, or the internal conflict of feeling misaligned with one’s assigned gender at birth. This group faces increased risks of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, with transgender youth being about three times more likely than their cisgender peers to consider suicide.
Counselling services provide crucial support to those navigating gender identity issues by offering a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their feelings, build resilience, and develop coping strategies. Kalmer Counselling have trained counsellors who specialise in gender-affirmative practices helping individuals to process their identity-related concerns, address mental health challenges, and support their overall well-being.
For young people, counselling can include family support, which is essential for fostering understanding and acceptance within the home and family. By affirming a persons gender identity and addressing any accompanying mental health needs, counselling services play a key role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting a positive sense of self among those struggling with gender identity issues.
Struggles with sexual identity can lead to significant emotional and mental health challenges, particularly when non-heterosexual identities face stigma or lack acceptance. In the UK, roughly 6% of adults identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, with young people increasingly open about diverse sexual orientations. However, LGBTQ+ individuals still experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation than their heterosexual peers, largely due to discrimination, fear of rejection, and internalised stigma.
A survey by Stonewall found that nearly 25% of LGBTQ+ youth in the UK had attempted suicide, and over 50% reported self-harm, underscoring the profound impact of sexual identity struggles on mental health.
Counselling services tailored to those exploring or affirming their sexual identity can be transformative, providing a safe, affirming environment where individuals can discuss their experiences, fears, and aspirations without judgment. Kalmer counsellors can help clients process complex feelings related to identity, develop self-acceptance, and navigate potential challenges, such as coming out to family or coping with discrimination. Additionally, counselling can support individuals in building resilience and fostering a positive sense of identity, which is essential for mental well-being. By offering personalised support and validation, Kalmer counselling can empower individuals to embrace their sexuality with confidence and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Find out more on our PRIDE page.
Being an adolescent is hard but to also be Neurodivergent can make this stage of development really difficult and at times unbearable.
Teenagers are trying to explore, navigate and define their identities but when you’re Neurodivergent you’re also needing to work out your Neurodivergent identity and what this means for you.
That’s a lot to process and explore whilst also navigating the social rules of life which are not always explicit.
Furries are people who have an interest in giving human characteristics to animals. Most furries create for themselves an animal character called a fursona.
Some furries wear elaborate costumes (called fursuits) or paraphernalia such as animal ears or tails.
Furry fandom is an inclusive term that describes the global community with hundreds of local groups existing worldwide and dozens of conventions held annually.
Some reasons why children and young people may be involved in Furry Fandom:
In the UK, identity struggles among children and young people have become a significant concern in 2024, exacerbated by various social pressures and the growing impact of digital environments. For example, recent studies highlight that nearly 30% of young people report experiencing issues related to identity, particularly in relation to gender, sexuality, and cultural background. This struggle is compounded for LGBTQ+ youth, who frequently face familial rejection, discrimination, and isolation, which often leaves them without a support system. Many are exposed to restrictive or controlling behaviours from parents or guardians, impacting their self-expression and mental health, with some even experiencing emotional or physical threats (NSPCC, Barnardo’s)
Our Counselling sessions are 50 minutes either online or in person and cost £50 - £65 depending on the counsellor.
Contact Us