Children's counselling

We see clients of all ages, including children, adolescents and adults. Whether therapy suits a particular child depends on their age, developmental stage and what is going on for them, and we adjust our approach accordingly.

For anyone under 18, consent depends on the family's circumstances. In most cases a parent or legal guardian needs to give consent before therapy can start. Where both parents have parental responsibility, we generally recommend that both are aware of and agree to the child attending counselling, particularly where there are parenting orders or family law proceedings underway. There are situations where one parent's consent is enough, depending on the legal arrangements. If you are not sure where you stand, call us and we will talk it through.

Not a small person on a couch being asked how they feel. Children work through activity, drawing, play and talking sideways about things, because that is how they can approach something difficult without being overwhelmed by it. A session can look surprisingly light from the outside and still be doing the work.

Sometimes, particularly with younger children and at the start. As they get older, having some of it be theirs is part of what makes it useful. It gets worked out with you rather than applied as a rule, and it is not fixed for good once decided.

You will be kept in the loop about what is going on and what would help at home, and you will not be handed a transcript. Children stop talking honestly the moment they believe everything goes straight back to a parent, and a child who has stopped talking honestly is not getting anything out of it. Anything that affects their safety is a different matter and would always be raised with you, and there are limits set by law where a child is at risk of harm.

You do not have to wait for a crisis. Parents usually notice something before anybody else does: a child who has gone quiet, one who is suddenly angry, tummy aches every school morning, sleep that has fallen apart, or a change after a separation, a death or a move. Getting in early is easier work than getting in after two years.

No, to both. You can book directly. Advance Minds does not assess or diagnose conditions such as ADHD or autism; that is done by a paediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, usually starting with your GP. Counselling supports the child either way, and it does not have to wait for an assessment to finish.

With your consent, yes, and it often helps. Sophia works closely with parents and educators so that the same strategies are being used at home and in the classroom rather than two different approaches pulling against each other.

Plainly, and without making it sound like a punishment or a hospital. Something close to: there is a person whose job is helping kids with worries and big feelings, we are going to meet her, and you can see what you think. Children generally take their cue from whether the adult seems anxious about it. If you would rather work that out first, book a session for yourself and come without them.

For some children it works very well and for others it does not, and age is not always the predictor. Online sessions are available by secure video anywhere in Australia, and in-person sessions are available in Bankstown. It is worth trying rather than assuming either way.