Children and adolescents counselling

Children and adolescents experience a multitude of unique changes and challenges that are physical, psychological, relational, developmental and many others. With all this pressure that children and adolescents go through, many young people can feel overwhelmed at home and school. Even when parents and carers provide a loving home environment, young people sometimes need extra support.
My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing space to explore these issues and offer various services in wellbeing and mental health management. I use an integrated counselling and psychotherapy approach using various modalities including but not limited to: person-centred therapy, body-orientated therapy, emotionally-focus therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, play therapy, internal family systems theory, Bowen's family systems theory, and many others.
Below is the list of common concerns that can be explored in Children and Adolescence counselling:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Stress, burnout and fatigue
  • Behavioural concerns (E.g., anger management, risk-taking, bedwetting etc.)
  • Body image issues
  • Bulling (online and at school)
  • Drug and alcohol concerns
  • Developmental Trauma and Abuse
  • Grief and loss
  • Relationship issues
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation
  • Coping with separation and divorce
  • Sexuality and gender identity
  • School refusal and disengagement
  • And many others.
Often, young people can struggle with a combination of concerns rather than just a specific one. Counselling can be a helpful way to organise these concerns and work through them at the young person's own pace. Together, we can explore ways to make sense of your child's experience and bring positive change to their life.

FAQs

How do I know if my child needs counselling?
Young people frequently find it challenging to regulate their emotions and articulate their feelings. This can sometimes result in tantrums, social withdrawal, concerning behavioural issues and feelings of extreme distress. Additionally, young people can face many external and internal challenges, which include but are not limited to: interpersonal conflicts such as sibling rivalry, social problems such as bullying, identity problems such as sexual identity and many more. This can sometimes result in young people feeling isolated, angry, anxious and depressed. These are just some of the many reasons why young people seek counselling. If you are still unsure if counselling is right for your child, contact me via the "contact" webpage. I will endeavour to answer any of your and your child's questions or concerns.
What happens in children and adolescents counselling?
Children and adolescent counselling can take place both online and face-to-face. During children and adolescents counselling, there will be times when both parents and the young person are present in the session and when the young person has a private space to speak to the counsellor. The aim, at the commencement of counselling, is to ensure both you and your child feel heard and understood. The first session will focus on your counselling needs and answer any questions you may have about counselling. Many young people find that talking through their challenges is beneficial and provides greater insight into the struggles they are experiencing. In addition to talking things through, specific guidance, strategies and interventions can help support young people going through challenging times. I aim to provide a safe, respectful and collaborative space in which you and your child can feel supported in exploring and working through the issues and challenges your child is facing. Throughout the counselling process, I endeavour to be available for parents to discuss any questions and keep them up to date regarding their child's progress.
How long will counselling take for my child and how much does it cost?
Children and adolescent counselling sessions usually go for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the person's age. Reduced rates may be available for Healthcare card or pension recipients. Everybody is different, so it can be hard to predict how many counselling sessions each person needs. On average, 15 to 20 weekly or fortnightly sessions are required for most people to see some improvement. However, this number will vary depending on the person and the complexity of the issue. For cost information, please look at the contact page to view pricing
What if my child or adolescent refuses to attend counselling?
Some children and adolescents can feel hesitant about seeing a counsellor for the first time. The most common reason they don't want to attend counselling is their privacy concerns. This is especially relevant if they are grappling with issues they don't feel comfortable discussing with other family members. You may want to reassure your child that counselling is a confidential space and that the counsellor will discuss the limitations of confidentiality before they explore any issues. Additionally, reassuring your child that they can leave counselling and refuse any interventions at any time can help them feel more in control of the counselling process. Talking and listening to your child and adolescent about these fears and any others they might have can relieve any hesitation in attending counselling. However, if they still refuse to come, we highly recommend that you consider individual or couples marriage counselling to provide effective strategies for caring for your child.

Contact or book an appointment

If you would like more information or to book a counselling appointment for your child, click the button below and complete the contact form.
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