The-Exchange is now providing counselling and emotional and psychological support  in all Primary schools within East Ayrshire.  From 19th April 2022, this service is now available to all primary school children, from P1-P7.

 specialises in providing psychological support to children [4-11 yrs] and their families. Our therapeutic interventions focus on helping children develop resources that they need in order to cope more effectively with adverse circumstances and life events and we use the same framework to support parents/guardians of the child. In this way, families can develop the skills they need to support one another and improve the overall resilience and psychological wellbeing of the family.

 has a team of experienced practitioners who specialise in providing psychological interventions to primary school children. Primary school counsellors are accredited by a governing body [usually BACP] and are skilled in creative interventions such as theraplay, drama therapy, play therapy techniques and many more.

Most of our work takes place in Primary Schools. This is because the school offers a neutral and nurturing environment for child and parent. The school is a ‘soft’ setting for the child to meet with their counsellor. The school also forms an important part of the child’s support system and is neutral ground for parents, teachers and counsellors to work together to support the child and family. If children or parents do not want to be seen in the Primary School then we can offer a space at our offices.

Children can be referred to the service by their teacher or a key adult working within their school. however staff will always contact parents/carers before making a referral to The-Exchange.    For children under the age of 12, parental consent is required in order for the child to attend the counselling or psychological support sessions. When supporting children under the age of 12, The Exchange involve parents at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the process with an aim to improve the overall resilience and psychological wellbeing of the family.  Please refer to the East Ayrshire – The Exchange Primary PARENTS leaflet for more information.