Child & Adolescent Counselling
Supporting children and teenagers aged 5–17 with anxiety, ADHD, autism, emotional wellbeing and life's challenges.
50-minute sessions • $160 • No GP referral required
Book a counselling session, or start with a free 15-minute phone consultation if you have a few questions first.
In-person counselling for children and adolescents in Illawong, Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. Online counselling may be available for adolescents where appropriate.
Child Counselling
Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling. Anxiety, big emotions, changes in behaviour or difficulties at school and with friendships can leave parents wondering what's going on and how best to help.
I take time to get to know each child, understanding their strengths, interests and individual needs, including those with ADHD or autism. Sessions may involve talking, play, drawing or creative activities, depending on what feels comfortable and works best for them.
Parents are an important part of the process. I'll work alongside you to better understand your child's experiences and explore practical ways to support their emotional wellbeing at home.
Adolescent Counselling
The teenage years can bring challenges with anxiety, emotions, friendships, school, identity and family relationships. Sometimes teenagers find it difficult to share what they're going through, leaving parents unsure how to help.
My priority is building trust and helping each young person feel heard, understood and comfortable being themselves. Sessions are tailored to their needs and preferences, including those with ADHD or autism, and may involve conversation, creative activities or a combination of both.
Parents remain an important part of the process, with involvement guided by the young person's needs and maturity, while respecting their growing independence, privacy and confidentiality.
How Child & Adolescent Counselling Can Help
When your child is struggling, it can affect so much more than how they feel. It may impact their confidence, friendships, school experience, relationships at home and ability to cope with everyday challenges.
Counselling can help children and teenagers better understand themselves, develop healthier ways to manage difficult emotions and build the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges. Progress looks different for every young person, and even small changes can make a meaningful difference.
Common Areas of Support
Counselling may support children and adolescents who are experiencing:
Mt Approach to Child & Adolescent Counselling
As both a counsellor and a parent, I understand how challenging it can be when your child is struggling and you're unsure how best to help. My approach is warm, practical and non-judgemental, with a focus on helping children and teenagers feel safe, understood and supported.
Alongside my private counselling practice, I develop and facilitate therapeutic group programs for children and parents through a psychology practice. These programs focus on childhood anxiety, emotional regulation, resilience, relationships and parenting challenges, including managing screen time.
I also bring experience supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs, and working collaboratively with families, schools and other professionals. I believe meaningful progress comes from understanding each young person's individual needs and working together to support them.
What to Expect in Your Child's First Session
Frequently Asked Questions
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You might notice changes in your child's mood, behaviour, sleep, friendships or school attendance, or that they're experiencing anxiety, big emotions or withdrawal. You don't need to wait until things reach a crisis point to seek support. If you're concerned about how your child is coping, you're welcome to get in touch to discuss whether counselling may be helpful.
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Yes. Parents and carers are an important part of the counselling process. I work collaboratively with you to understand your child's needs and explore ways to support them at home. The level of involvement will depend on your child's age, maturity and individual circumstances, while respecting their privacy and confidentiality.
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It's common for children and teenagers to feel unsure about counselling, especially if it's their first experience. I focus on helping them feel comfortable, building trust and allowing them to settle in at their own pace. There's no expectation to share everything straight away. If your child is reluctant to attend, we can discuss the best way to approach this before booking.
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I understand that parents want to know how their child is going. Counselling also works best when young people feel they have a safe space to speak openly. I explain confidentiality and its limits at the beginning of counselling, including when information may need to be shared for safety or legal reasons. I aim to keep parents appropriately involved while respecting each young person's privacy, maturity and needs.
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No. You don't need a GP referral or Mental Health Treatment Plan to book child or adolescent counselling at Mindnest. You can book a session directly or arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation if you'd like to discuss whether counselling is the right fit.