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Questions

FAQs for childrens counselling

We understand that starting childrens counselling can feel overwhelming. Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions parents and caregivers ask before beginning their journey with us.

What's the difference between a counsellor and a social worker?

It can be confusing, but I’ve found it’s a real strength for the young people I work with. As a Clinical Counsellor, I focus on helping with a young person’s thoughts and feelings using a variety of therapeutic techniques. As a Social Worker, I also consider how their world—from family to school and friendships—influences their well-being. This unique blend allows me to offer truly holistic support that nurtures not just the individual, but their entire environment, leading to more lasting and meaningful change.

I truly believe that therapy is a journey we take together. My approach is all about collaboration, focusing on the unique strengths and needs of each young person. I use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy, but my most important tool is my ability to tailor our sessions to fit the individual, whether through a cozy chat, creative expression, or play. I’ve dedicated my professional life exclusively to working with children and teens, so I have a deep understanding of the beautiful, complex challenges that come with each stage of their development.

I know firsthand that school can be a huge source of stress and worry. With my many years as a school counsellor, I’m here to help with a whole range of issues. From navigating friendship conflicts and bullying to managing academic stress and the pressure of exams, we can work together to help your child or teen feel more confident and grounded. I’m here to provide a caring space where they can talk through anything that feels heavy on their mind.

Yes, absolutely. I believe that parents are a crucial part of the support system, and my work is a partnership with you. We can explore effective, gentle strategies for managing challenging behaviors, improving family communication, and strengthening your bond. These sessions are designed to empower you with a toolbox of knowledge and skills to support your child’s mental health and well-being right at home.

 

The very first session is a chance for us to get to know one another, and it lasts for 75 minutes ($180). Subsequent sessions are 50 minutes ($150). For parents who want to come in for support, parenting sessions are 50 minutes ($120).

I understand that life is unpredictable. My policy simply asks for a minimum of 24-48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel. This helps ensure that the time is respected for everyone. If you cancel with less notice, the full session fee may apply.

 

Not just yet. I’m in the final stages of completing my accreditation to become an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Once that’s complete, I’ll be able to offer Medicare rebates, which I’m so excited about because it will make support more accessible for you. Please feel free to check my website for updates on when this will be available.

 

At We Talk, we deliver high-quality counselling and social work services tailored for children, adolescents, and their families who are supported under the NDIS.

 

We also provide confidential, compassionate care to help you heal from trauma, restore self-trust, and move forward with renewed strength and confidence.

Building trust with a young person is the heart of my work. Everything we discuss is confidential, which is so important for creating a safe space for them to open up. There are a few rare legal exceptions to this, such as if a person is at risk of harm to themselves or others. I’ll always talk about these boundaries in more detail during our first session so everyone feels safe and clear on what to expect.

 

I know that you want to be there for your child, and I appreciate that so much. While I won’t share the specific details of our sessions to protect your child’s privacy and trust, we can schedule regular check-ins. This gives you a chance to stay informed about their general progress and allows them to have a truly private space to work through their feelings.

 

To ensure we can focus on the most supportive therapeutic work, I don’t perform formal psychological assessments or provide clinical diagnoses. Instead, my focus is on helping your child with their challenges. If you have any clinical reports from other professionals, please bring them to our first session. This information is so vital for us to create a clear and effective treatment plan together.

 

You can book an appointment via the contact form on this website, or by calling or emailing me directly. I look forward to connecting with you

foster children can access counselling through their caseworker, foster care agency, or NSW Department of Communities and Justice. Foster carers can also self-refer to private child counsellors. Free support is available via Kids Helpline.
Kids counselling involves age-appropriate therapy to help children understand and manage emotions, behaviour, and life challenges. Sessions may include talking, play, drawing, or storytelling to help children express feelings safely. Parents are often involved to support positive changes at home and school.
A counsellor helps children cope with emotional, behavioural, or social difficulties such as anxiety, stress, grief, or school issues. They provide a safe space to talk, teach coping skills, and work with families to support the child’s emotional wellbeing.
A child counsellor is a qualified mental health professional trained to work with children and adolescents. They use evidence-based, child-friendly approaches to help children manage emotions, behaviour, relationships, and developmental challenges.
A child may need counselling if they are struggling with anxiety, behaviour problems, emotional distress, family changes, bullying, or difficulties at school. Counselling helps children develop healthy coping skills and emotional resilience before issues become more serious.
A child should get counselling when emotional or behavioural changes last more than a few weeks or interfere with daily life, school, or relationships. Early support is recommended if a child shows ongoing anxiety, sadness, anger, withdrawal, or difficulty coping.
Common symptoms include persistent sadness or anxiety, frequent anger or emotional outbursts, withdrawal from friends or activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and declining school performance. If multiple symptoms persist, professional support is recommended.
To calm a stressed child, encourage slow breathing, offer reassurance, and maintain calm routines. Activities like drawing, listening to music, or gentle play can help. Staying calm yourself and validating the child’s feelings helps them feel safe and supported.
The most common mental health conditions in children are anxiety disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and depression. These conditions can affect emotions, behaviour, learning, and relationships but are highly treatable with early support.
Warning signs of stress in children include irritability or frequent tantrums, withdrawal from others, sleep problems, physical complaints (headaches or stomach aches), and difficulty concentrating. Persistent signs may indicate the need for counselling support.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Child counselling Sydney provides a safe and confidential space to support children’s emotional growth and confidence. Book a confidential child counselling session in Sydney and take the first step toward positive emotional wellbeing.
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