Counselling for Children

Counselling for children 

Growing Minds

Childhood is a time of tremendous growth and transformation. Growing up can be hard, as young people face a vast range of physical, emotional, and psychological developmental changes. For some children, the shift from childhood to adulthood can be reasonably straightforward. Others, on the other hand, may find the hurdles to be overwhelming.

During this time, parents and caregivers create a supportive home environment. However, some children may require additional assistance. When a child is facing difficulties in life, child-specialised counselling can help them overcome obstacles by building their resilience, self-esteem, and psychosocial skills. Counselling for children can be the first step in the right direction. 

Why Halcyon Counselling?

Halcyon Counselling believes in building relationships and easing life transitions. Our counsellors are registered with the Australian Counselling Association. Speak to us today if you’re after counselling for children. No waitlists – you can expect to see a counsellor as early as possible.

Why children might see a counsellor

Counsellors at Halcyon Counselling can work with children to explore and find solutions to:

  • Bullying
  • Learning difficulties 
  • Behavioural disturbances
  • Social difficulties
  • Illness, hospitalisation
  • Grief & loss
  • Emotional Development
  • Changes in family dynamics (e.g., parental divorce)
  • Sibling clashes

And more

Conversations to have before seeing a Counsellor

  • What are your top two reasons for going to see a counsellor?
  • Who is going to see the counsellor?
  • Is it a family counselling session or a child counselling session?
  • Would you benefit from a family counselling session?
  • Is there anything that you can do while you are waiting for the appointment?
  • Is the location of the Counselling Clinic feasible for you? Do they provide video/telehealth services?

Book your first session today

FAQ’s 

Q1. what can I do to help my child?

Every parent wants their child to be safe and happy! To assist your child during a difficult phase of their life, make sure you are speaking to them openly and calmly – as they are learning communication skills from you. Teaching effective, comprehensive communication skills to your child will make them resilient and capable of emotional conversations which would also serve them throughout their adult life. 

If the situation gets worse, seek immediate counselling. Counselling is external support that can help regulate your child’s emotions and stop them from deteriorating. Counsellors ensure that the environment is safe and confidential which aids in developing healthy behaviours, coping skills, social skills and emotional intelligence. 

Q2. Can I attend my child’s counselling session?

Our counsellors would want to speak to the parents before or after the session or parents can have an initial adults-only session with their child’s counsellor to discuss difficulties faced by the youngster. However, child counselling is helpful when it is either child-only or family counselling – the reason is: if you are in a counselling session some children may not share their problems due to the fear of how you would react. Moreover, children also feel that parents often blame them for their own difficulties which could lead them to close off and not share.

If you think it will help to have a family counselling session – read more here to see if it’s best suited to you. 

Q3. What is the structure of the counselling session? 

Depending on your child’s age and particular requirements, our counsellor may utilise a combination of talk therapy, art, and play therapy to facilitate each session. Your counsellor will:

  • To acquire a clear perspective of the situation, speak with both you and your child.
  • Make a list of attainable goals that you and your child are both excited to achieve (e.g., effective communication, no more arguments!)
  • Assist you and your child in defining a shared understanding of what has to happen in order for everyone’s needs to be addressed.
  • Arrange for one-on-one counselling sessions with your child. And one-on-one counselling sessions with yourself, and joint family sessions (if need be).
  • Family meetings to discuss progress.
  • Celebrate victories and achievements.
  • Make a list of potential roadblocks and work to overcome them.
  • Review the plan and keep the gains you’ve made.

Q4. Will the counsellor keep me updated on how the sessions are going?

Definitely! Your counsellor will be available to answer any questions you might have and will keep you informed about your child’s progress. However, to maintain rapport and trust between the child and the counsellor, the counsellor may not be able to provide you with detailed information regarding every counselling session. Although, be assured that the counsellor will inform you regarding issues that can harm the child or if someone else is in harm’s way.

About Halcyon Counselling

At Halcyon, we are experienced in providing counselling for anxiety. We are empathetic and aware of individual differences such as external/internal factors contributing to excessive fear which turns into anxiety or a panic attack. You do not have to live with anxiety and experience a low-quality life. Let’s talk and identify the cause of distress and figure out solutions to improve your life!

If you are experiencing anxiety, you know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and exhausted all the time. Living with anxiety is draining and has a huge impact on quality of life. When anxiety hits, resilience seems to crumble and everything around you feels too hard which kicks you into overdrive harming your professional and personal life.

Halcyon works with everyone who yearns to be as successful in their personal lives as they are in their careers. Get in touch with your best self, and discover more peaceful, tender, and enjoyable ways to connect. Create that space for yourself today with Halcyon’s registered counsellors.

Book your first session today