Child and Adolescent Counselling

Starting counselling can feel like a big step, for both you and your young person. This guide walks you through what to expect, from your initial intake session as a parent or carer, through to preparing and introducing your young person to their counsellor. You'll find information on our approach, how we balance your young person's privacy with your involvement as a parent, and how we work together with you throughout the process to support meaningful progress.

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OUR PROCESS

Beginning Your Young Person’s Counselling Journey

Before your first appointment, our administration team will provide:

·         Consent forms for parents/carers and, and where appropriate, your young person

·         Intake forms to help us understand your family's strengths, concerns, and goals

·         Information about our practice and how we support young people and families

These forms help us gain a better understanding of your young person’s and family's needs, so we can provide personalised and meaningful support.

  • The first appointment is usually attended by the parent(s) or carer(s).

    During this session, your practitioner will:

    ·         Explain how counselling works for young people

    ·         Discuss confidentiality and its limits

    ·         Explore the concerns that have led you to seek support

    ·         Learn about your young person's strengths, interests, challenges, and support needs

    ·         Work with you to identify hopes, goals, and expectations for counselling

    ·         Answer any questions you may have about the process

    We recognise that parents and carers know their young person best and deeply value the knowledge, insights, and experiences they bring.

  • Following the parent/carer intake session, we provide a social story for your young person. This age-appropriate guide helps them understand what counselling is, what to expect during sessions, and how they will be supported throughout the process.

    The social story explains:

    ·         What counselling is and how it can help

    ·         What sessions may look like

    ·         The role of the therapist

    ·         What their involvement may be

    ·         How parents and carers can support them

    It also reinforces that counselling is a safe and supportive space where they can ask questions, take things at their own pace, and share only when they feel ready.

  • Your young person is welcomed into a safe and supportive space where they can build trust and connection at their own pace.

    We tailor our approach to each young person's communication style, strengths, interests, and comfort level, allowing engagement to develop in a way that feels right for them.

    We can support young people with:

    ·         Anxiety, stress, and worry

    ·         Low mood and emotional difficulties

    ·         Trauma and emotional overwhelm

    ·         Emotional regulation and coping skills

    ·         Self-esteem and confidence

    ·         Friendship and peer relationship difficulties

    ·         School-related challenges, including avoidance or refusal

    ·         Neurodivergent experiences, including ADHD and autism

    ·         Grief, loss, and life changes

    ·         Identity development and life transitions

    ·         Behavioural and adjustment concerns

  • We use flexible, evidence-informed approaches tailored to each young person’s individual needs and goals. Depending on your young person’s age, preferences, and presenting concerns, therapy may include:

    • Play-based therapy

    • Creative and art-based approaches

    • Movement and sensory-based supports

    • Talk-based counselling and therapeutic conversations

    We are committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming support that recognises and values different ways of thinking, learning, communicating, and experiencing the world.

    Our focus is always on creating safety, fostering connection, and meeting young people where they are in their journey.

  • One of the most important aspects of counselling is helping your young person feel safe enough to speak openly and honestly.

    For this reason, counselling sessions are confidential. This means that specific details shared by your young person will generally not be discussed with parents or carers without their consent.

    There are some circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, including where there are concerns about your young person's safety, the safety of another person, or where there is a legal obligation to disclose information. If this occurs, we will endeavour to involve your young person in the process wherever possible.

  • We recognise parents and carers as important people in a young person's life and valuable partners in the therapeutic process.

    We encourage parents and carers to:

    • Support regular attendance at appointments

    • Provide encouragement and reassurance

    • Share relevant information that may assist the therapeutic process

    • Respect your young person's privacy and growing independence

    • Communicate any concerns or significant changes in circumstances

  • As counselling progresses, we continue to work collaboratively with both the young person and their family.

    Parent or carer review sessions may be offered approximately every 6–8 weeks, or as needed, to:

    • Share general observations and progress

    • Gather relevant information about home, school, and social environments

    • Discuss strategies to support the young person between sessions

    • Address any questions or concerns raised by parents or carers

    With consent, we can also collaborate with schools, health professionals, and other support services involved in your young person's care to promote consistency and strengthen outcomes.

  • Throughout counselling, goals and progress are reviewed regularly to ensure support remains meaningful and responsive to your young person's needs.

    These reviews may include:

    • Celebrating achievements, strengths, and successes

    • Reflecting on growth, challenges, and emerging needs

    • Adjusting therapeutic goals and approaches where appropriate

    • Discussing recommendations and next steps

    The length of counselling varies for each young person and depends on their individual goals, circumstances, and support needs.

    Parents and carers are not expected to have all the answers or solve every challenge on their own. Counselling is a collaborative process, and we are here to support the whole family.

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Why Choose Psychotherapy for your Child or Adolescent at

Our Wellness Collective?

We offer a diverse range of therapeutic approaches that address the root causes of distress, not just the symptoms.

Holistic and Integrative

Experienced and Compassionate Practitioners

Our team of therapists is highly trained and committed to providing compassionate care. We understand the courage it takes to seek therapy and are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Our therapists are trained to recognise and respect and integrate the cultural, historical, and social contexts of our clients. Therapy at Our Wellness Collective is inclusive and sensitive to your individual background acknowledging that cultural and historical collective trauma can have enduring effects on individuals and their day-to-day functioning. 

Culturally Responsive

We are committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings, knowing that your privacy is respected.

Confidential and Safe

Book an Appointment Today

Reach out to us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward personal growth and healing. Together, we can explore your journey, uncover insights, and work toward the changes you seek.

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“A very welcoming environment, accomodating and professional. I feel confident in recommending anyone towards Our Wellness Collective.”

— A. G