School Counselling & Therapeutic support

Schools • SEND • SEMH • AP

The Talking Zone provides consistent, accessible counselling within the school environment, helping young people explore emotional difficulties, develop coping strategies and access support before difficulties escalate.

Discuss Your School's Needs →

      
      10+ years'
      education experience
    
      Working with schools
      since 2023
    
      BACP
      Registered

Supporting Young People
Where They Are

Young people can experience difficulties that affect their emotional wellbeing, relationships, confidence and ability to engage with education.

For pupils in SEND, SEMH and Alternative Provision settings, these needs can be particularly complex.

The Talking Zone provides a consistent space within the school environment where young people can access therapeutic support without having to navigate an additional service or unfamiliar setting.

See feedback from schools and young people →

Kayleigh Lane, founder of The Talking Zone

Therapy With an Understanding
of Education

The Talking Zone was founded by Kayleigh Lane, an integrative therapist with over ten years' experience working in education.

This includes experience in:

SEND settings
SEMH
Alternative Provision
Further Education

This experience means therapeutic support is informed not only by counselling practice, but by an understanding of the environments in which young people learn, develop and sometimes struggle.

Meet Kayleigh →

School Counselling Services

The service can be tailored to the needs of your school offering:

01. One-to-One Counselling

Regular, confidential sessions, ranging from 6 -12 weeks, providing a safe space to explore, understand and develop coping strategies.

02. Early Intervention

Support for young people experiencing emerging difficulties, helping schools respond before concerns become more complex.

03. SEND & SEMH Support

Therapeutic support informed by an understanding of SEND & SEMH needs and individual ways of communicating and experiencing the world.

What can counselling help with?

Areas we can explore include:

Anxiety & stress
Bullying & social difficulties
Bereavement & loss
Negative thinking
Exam & education pressures
Confidence & self-esteem

Friendship & relationships
Family difficulties
Identity & personal development
Self-harm
Transitions & change
SEND & neurodivergence

Counselling is individualised, meaning sessions are shaped around the young person's circumstances, developmental stage, communication style and needs.

How School Counselling Works

01

Referral

School identifies a young person who may benefit from support.

02

Initial Assessment

The young person's needs and suitability for counselling are considered.

03

Regular Sessions

The young person attends consistent one-to-one counselling within the school day.

04

Review & Liaison

Progress and ongoing support needs are reviewed, with appropriate liaison in line with confidentiality and safeguarding requirements.

Working alongside
your school

The Talking Zone works collaboratively with school staff and existing support structures rather than operating separately from them.

Where appropriate, liaison can take place with:

Pastoral teams
SENCOs
DSLs
Teachers & key adults
Parents & carers

Safe, ethical & professional Practice

The Talking Zone operates within professional ethical and safeguarding frameworks and works in partnership with each school's existing safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

Confidentiality

Consent & Capacity

Professional Ethics

Risk & Safeguarding

An Established
School-Based Service

10+

Years' experience in education

2023

The Talking Zone established

4th

Consecutive year working with schools

1:1

Individual therapeutic support

Now entering its fourth consecutive year of working with schools, The Talking Zone brings together professional therapeutic practice with first-hand experience of working within education.

Meet Kayleigh

Kayleigh Lane

Integrative Therapist | BACP Registered Counsellor

With over ten years' experience working in education, including SEND, FE and Alternative Provision settings, Kayleigh understands the challenges faced by young people, families and school teams. The Talking Zone was established in 2023 to provide accessible therapeutic support where young people already spend much of their time: within education.

More About Kayleigh →

Could The Talking Zone
Support Your School?

Whether you are looking to establish school-based counselling or strengthen your existing pastoral and emotional wellbeing provision, I'd be happy to discuss your school's needs. Submit an enquiry below, or email directly kayleigh@thetalkingzone.co.uk

Get in Touch →

What schools and young people say

School Feedback

"Kayleigh has been providing counselling services to our school for the past year. She has a natural ability to build rapport and trust with SEN students, which has led to improved student outcomes, including attendance, following her intervention. As an SEN provision, we really value Kayleigh's creativity and resourcefulness. She capably adapts her counselling approach based on each student's unique personality, background, and needs. Students have reported improved mood, greater focus, and increased resilience. Kayleigh also demonstrates exceptional professionalism in her documentation, adherence to safeguarding policies, and collaboration as part of the school team. I would have no hesitation in recommending Kayleigh as a counsellor to another SEN setting."

— Matt Carroll, 2024 — Joint Head of Sixth Form, SEND School, South Bristol

"Kayleigh has had a really positive impact on our school community since joining the school. Her compassionate and approachable nature has enabled students to feel safe, supported, and empowered to talk openly about their mental health and emotional wellbeing. She has built strong, trusting relationships with both students and staff, and her work has contributed to noticeable improvements in student confidence, resilience, and behaviour. Kayleigh is a great practitioner, and her understanding and knowledge of complex school systems makes her an asset to the team!"

— Nicola Lace, 2025 — Head Teacher, Alternative Provision, South Bristol

Feedback from Young People

"I have enjoyed our sessions, it was easy to talk to Kayleigh and I feel I have become more confident. I feel more like my old self again."

— YP, aged 15

"The sessions really helped my anxiety, I felt listened to. I have strategies for managing anxiety which is helping me."

— YP, aged 16

"I feel proud of myself and I know that talking has been really helping - I am happier at home and at school."

— YP, aged 13

"I understand myself better now and why I feel the way I do. I feel more confident in myself."