1. Firstly, it is important to be available to children as children will often share with those they have a relationship with and that seem available when help is needed. This would include checking in on children’s ministry, camps or activities where children are involved and having conversations with them informally. Once entering a more formal counselling agreement, the counsellor should create a safe place where children are able to share without judgement and where a responsible, loving adult can help guide them towards the future, decisions etc. One example would be in grieving, to help children come to terms with the finality of death and allowing grieving to take place.
2. Play is such an important part of a child’s life and can be a useful tool in helping children to express their feelings in a non-pressured way. This also helps to build relationship between the counsellor and the child. Art is another way for children to express their emotions, desires, hopes and dreams. The counsellor can gain insight by asking children to explain their picture after drawing. Bible storytelling is another effective tool. Valuable insights and lessons can be learned from the lives of Bible characters that children can apply to their own lives. Written words eg. letters written to people that have hurt the child or a form of a diary entry can be powerful in helping the child express what is currently in their heart.