Julie
Counselling for Young People
When Julie, aged 15, first came to Relate for Young People, she felt rather lonely and depressed.
Julie's parents had divorced when she was aged 9; she lived with her mother and two younger brothers. Her father had moved 20 miles away and she saw him every 2 - 3 weeks. Around the age of 13, her relationship with her mother began to deteriorate and eventually worsened so much her mother sent her, without any discussion, to live with her father.
Julie left home leaving her two brothers, friends and school at a difficult academic time. It was also at the start of the school holidays.
As her father was away working all day, Julie spent many hours alone - she didn't know anyone, or know the area. As a result she became depressed and withdrawn. She saw her GP who referred her to Relate for Young People.
During the time Julie came for counselling she was able to acknowledge her feelings and work through her sadness and suppressed anger caused by what had taken place. She also had the opportunity to explore things to do to occupy her time, which included a job two days a week where she met others of her own age. She started at a new school in the September where she made friends and settled down.
Julie's sessions at Relate for Young People enabled her to come to terms with her mother's rejection of her and other losses she was experiencing. As a result, she was able to find friends in her new community and enjoy life more.
