0439 456 335
Counselling Children & Young People
Individual Counselling using Expressive Therapies and Sandplay Therapy is available for children and adolescents. These personal journeys of healing increase self awareness, emotional intelligence and reconnection to inner resources.
Young people come to counselling for many different reasons. They may have been affected by an emotional or traumatic event, like divorce or the death or illness of a loved one. They may have suffered an early trauma, repeated abuse or live in an ongoing stressful environment, like shared parenting, resulting in emotional turmoil. Often a child’s unusual or challenging behaviours alert us that something is not quite right and they may benefit from connecting with and articulating their inner world. We all have a deep yearning to be heard and listened to. This desire and yearning to express what is inside is even stronger in young people.
When our emotions are blocked we can feel ‘stuck’, sad, angry, alone, resentful, depressed, confused and more. Adults can either carry these feelings around for long periods of time, ignoring the messages from their bodies and the yearnings from their heart, or find positive ways to deal with them. Children are less able to create this split and can lack the language to gain appropriate support. They will respond through behaviours that often seem challenging to adults, ie. aggressive outbursts, attention seeking, anxiety, attempting to gain control, unsuccessful peer and sibling relationships, sleeplessness, bedwetting, depression, school refusal and the list goes on.
A deeper look below the surface reveals what is blocking, holding and preventing growth. Expressive Therapies provide many safe ways for young people to explore and express what is happening in their inner world. By bringing a deeper awareness to these blockages and uncovering the healthy energy and positive emotions that exist at the core of each and every one of us.
Expressive Therapy uses self-discovery processes to bypass the logical mind and tap into that world we know exists but cannot seem to comprehend consciously. This experiential and holistic way of working involves more than ‘just talking about the problem’, and provides the opportunity for real and lasting change. It is based on the belief that each person has their own inner wisdom, and that the expert on who we are and what we need is actually inside us. This allows a client to not just express in words a particular issue, but to then feel the energy of their inner experience. When we connect with and really feel this energy we become open to new ways of understanding the problem. This method allows a feeling of release, insight, increased energy and a sense of well being and resolution.
Young people come to counselling for many different reasons. They may have been affected by an emotional or traumatic event, like divorce or the death or illness of a loved one. They may have suffered an early trauma, repeated abuse or live in an ongoing stressful environment, like shared parenting, resulting in emotional turmoil. Often a child’s unusual or challenging behaviours alert us that something is not quite right and they may benefit from connecting with and articulating their inner world. We all have a deep yearning to be heard and listened to. This desire and yearning to express what is inside is even stronger in young people.
When our emotions are blocked we can feel ‘stuck’, sad, angry, alone, resentful, depressed, confused and more. Adults can either carry these feelings around for long periods of time, ignoring the messages from their bodies and the yearnings from their heart, or find positive ways to deal with them. Children are less able to create this split and can lack the language to gain appropriate support. They will respond through behaviours that often seem challenging to adults, ie. aggressive outbursts, attention seeking, anxiety, attempting to gain control, unsuccessful peer and sibling relationships, sleeplessness, bedwetting, depression, school refusal and the list goes on.
A deeper look below the surface reveals what is blocking, holding and preventing growth. Expressive Therapies provide many safe ways for young people to explore and express what is happening in their inner world. By bringing a deeper awareness to these blockages and uncovering the healthy energy and positive emotions that exist at the core of each and every one of us.
Expressive Therapy uses self-discovery processes to bypass the logical mind and tap into that world we know exists but cannot seem to comprehend consciously. This experiential and holistic way of working involves more than ‘just talking about the problem’, and provides the opportunity for real and lasting change. It is based on the belief that each person has their own inner wisdom, and that the expert on who we are and what we need is actually inside us. This allows a client to not just express in words a particular issue, but to then feel the energy of their inner experience. When we connect with and really feel this energy we become open to new ways of understanding the problem. This method allows a feeling of release, insight, increased energy and a sense of well being and resolution.
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The Way I Work
PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF SESSIONS
It is preferable to have an interview with you before your child commences sessions to complete consent forms, to ensure I have a good understanding of the situation and to assess whether counselling is appropriate. After the interview and if counselling is appropriate, your child will commence 3 to 6 sessions, which are an hour in length. A follow up interview session will be arranged at the completion of 3 to 6 sessions to review progress and create future plans.
REPORTING BACK TO PARENTS
Your child is my client and client confidentiality applies to children and adults alike, however if any safety issues arise I will inform you immediately. In order for trust and confidence to be established, it is essential for children to be able to explore things without censoring their own feelings (often to protect the feelings of a parent/parents). I aim to develop a working partnership with you, for the best outcomes for your child.
It is preferable to have an interview with you before your child commences sessions to complete consent forms, to ensure I have a good understanding of the situation and to assess whether counselling is appropriate. After the interview and if counselling is appropriate, your child will commence 3 to 6 sessions, which are an hour in length. A follow up interview session will be arranged at the completion of 3 to 6 sessions to review progress and create future plans.
REPORTING BACK TO PARENTS
Your child is my client and client confidentiality applies to children and adults alike, however if any safety issues arise I will inform you immediately. In order for trust and confidence to be established, it is essential for children to be able to explore things without censoring their own feelings (often to protect the feelings of a parent/parents). I aim to develop a working partnership with you, for the best outcomes for your child.
Investment
Parent Interview, Child & Adolescent Counselling, Parent Review - $100 per 1 hour ($80 concession)
Parent Counselling - $150 per 90 mins ($120 concession)
You do not need a referral to access my service as I don’t offer Medicare rebates. However, I keep fees to a minimum so my rates are competitive and match the gap fee that is typically charged by psychologists. Please check your health fund to see if they cover counselling and psychotherapy services. Medibank private insurers are eligible to get rebates. Please check your policy.
Because I am a private practitioner and not funded by any other means I don’t offer reduced fees. However, I am happy to speak with you regarding your needs and suggest your local non-profit organisation, which offers no cost or reduced fees.
Forgotten appointments will require full payment as I set the time aside for you or your child. 24 hours notice to reschedule appointments is greatly appreciated.
Parent Counselling - $150 per 90 mins ($120 concession)
You do not need a referral to access my service as I don’t offer Medicare rebates. However, I keep fees to a minimum so my rates are competitive and match the gap fee that is typically charged by psychologists. Please check your health fund to see if they cover counselling and psychotherapy services. Medibank private insurers are eligible to get rebates. Please check your policy.
Because I am a private practitioner and not funded by any other means I don’t offer reduced fees. However, I am happy to speak with you regarding your needs and suggest your local non-profit organisation, which offers no cost or reduced fees.
Forgotten appointments will require full payment as I set the time aside for you or your child. 24 hours notice to reschedule appointments is greatly appreciated.
How to Make an Appointment
I am available for sessions on Mondays and Fridays during business hours and Saturday afternoons by request.
My clinic is located at 'THRIVE: Australia's Leading Centre for Relationship Growth', 138 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby, Northern NSW, Australia.
To make an appointment with me, please get in touch by phone or email.
My clinic is located at 'THRIVE: Australia's Leading Centre for Relationship Growth', 138 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby, Northern NSW, Australia.
To make an appointment with me, please get in touch by phone or email.
