Child & Adolescent Counselling
Children and young people can show us they’re struggling in many different ways. You might notice more anxiety or worry, big emotional reactions, changes in behaviour, withdrawal, difficulties with friendships or school, or simply a sense that your child isn’t quite themselves.
Counselling offers children and adolescents a safe, supportive space to make sense of what they’re experiencing, better understand their emotions and develop ways of navigating the challenges they’re facing.
My approach is developmentally informed, trauma-informed and tailored to each young person’s individual needs, strengths and stage of development.
What counselling looks like
Counselling with children and adolescents doesn’t always look like adult therapy.
Sessions are adapted to your child’s age, development, communication style and interests.
Therapy is about more than giving a young person strategies to cope. It also creates space to understand what’s happening for them, what they may need, and to feel accepted, seen and understood.
Younger Children
With younger children, I may use drawing, play, creative activities, sand tray, storytelling and games to help them explore feelings and experiences that can be difficult to express in words.
Older Children & Adolescents
With older children and adolescents, we may work more directly with thoughts, emotions, relationships and coping patterns. Therapy is still person-centred and flexible, and might include creativity, humour, games or activities alongside conversation. I draw on approaches including CBT, ACT, mindfulness and psychoeducation where appropriate.
Who counselling can support
Emotions & Wellbeing
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Anxiety, worries or fears
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Big emotions or difficulties with emotional regulation
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Low mood or withdrawal
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Low confidenceself-esteem.
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Selective mutism & anxiety
School and Relationship Issues
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School-related anxiety, overwhelm or difficulty attending school
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Friendship and social difficulties
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Navigating ADHD, autism, giftedness or sensory differences
Life Experiences & Change
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Trauma, grief & loss
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Medical experiences, chronic illness or hospitalisation
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Family change, separation or other significant transitions
What to expect
Start with
a parent session
Work out the
right approach
Stay connected
A care team approach
The first step is an intake session with a parent or caregiver. This gives us time to understand what's been happening, your child's history and strengths, your concerns and what you're hoping might change.
From there we can consider whether counselling is an appropriate fit and how best to involve you and your child
Depending on your child's age and needs, we may meet separately at times to think together about what you're noticing, what your child may need, and how you can support them outside of therapy.
Where helpful, and with your consent, I can collaborate with schools and other professionals involved with your child's care.
Not sure where to start?
If you’re concerned about your child or adolescent, we can begin with a conversation about what’s happening, what you’ve noticed and work out what supports will help.
I offer sessions in person in Wheelers Hill, VIC, and online across Australia.
📞 0481 307 380 ✉️ info@shivonnecammell.com
Suite 41B/190 Jells Road, Wheelers Hill, Victoria 3150