Counselling for Young People
Understanding Teenagers & Young People
Adolescence is a time of big changes—physically, emotionally, and mentally. For some, it’s a stage filled with curiosity and growth. For others, it can feel confusing, heavy, or just plain hard. Every young person’s journey is different, and sometimes the road feels bumpy for everyone involved.
If you’re a parent, you might notice moments when your teen seems distant, worried, or not quite themselves. It’s natural to wonder what’s going on and how to help. You want to be there for them, but the right words or actions aren’t always clear. A counsellor can help bridge that gap—offering you understanding and guidance, while giving your teen a safe, non-judgmental space to share what’s on their mind.
What We Focus on In Counselling for Young People
I know how much you want to see your young person happy, confident, and thriving, and how challenging it can be when they are struggling. My counselling approach focuses on helping them feel safe, understood, and supported from the start. I build rapport at their pace, creating a calm and non‑judgemental space where they can open up comfortably. Sessions are tailored to their individual needs and experiences, supporting concerns such as anxiety, low mood, stress, confidence issues, and emotional regulation.
I also believe that parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting positive change. While your young person’s privacy is respected, I work collaboratively with you through shared insights, practical strategies, and guidance you can use at home. We work together, teen, parent, and counsellor, to create a space where challenges feel a little lighter, and life feels a little easier to navigate. Neither of you has to go through this alone.
Communication
- Feeling heard and validated
- Expressing thoughts and emotions safely
- Understanding different perspectives
- Healthy communication skills
- Clarifying worries and concerns
- Building mutual understanding
Emotional Skills
- Emotional awareness
- Emotional regulation
- Managing stress and overwhelm
- Building confidence and self‑belief
- Strengthening coping skills
- Understanding emotional triggers
Personal Growth
- Goal setting
- Problem solving skills
- Building resilience
- Developing independence
- Encouraging positive change
- Recognising and celebrating progress
My Approach To Counselling for Young People
Counselling is a space where young people can talk openly about what is going on in their lives without feeling judged or pressured. My approach focuses on helping teens feel heard, accepted, and comfortable, so they can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. We look at the stuff that really matters to them, like school stress, friendships, family dynamics, and the challenges that come with growing up.
I support young people to better understand their emotions, reactions, and behaviours, especially during times that feel overwhelming or confusing. Counselling helps build skills for managing stress, handling big feelings, and making sense of what is happening inside and around them. The goal is to help teens feel more confident, capable, and better equipped to navigate everyday life as they continue to grow and change.
Therapeutic Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Helps people manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave. It focuses on the present and how negative thoughts can lead to negative feelings and actions.
Compassionate Inquiry Approach
Gently uncovers and releases the layers of childhood trauma, constriction and suppressed emotion embedded in the body, that are at the root of mental and physical illness and addiction.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Aims to teach you skills to gain awareness of your emotions and effective ways to self-regulate, build distress tolerance, and improve relationships through effective communication.
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Explores unconscious thoughts, feelings and beliefs to help you understand how past experiences shape your present behavior and relationships.
Somatic Experiencing
A way to reconnect with the body's innate wisdom and capacity for healing, helping you to resolve trauma and restore a sense of wholeness and well-being.
Solution Focused Therapy
A strong focus on practical tools, finding solutions in the present, and exploring hope for the future, rather than dwelling on past problems.
What To Expect In Counselling for Young People
Here’s how we’ll work together:
Initial Session
- Getting to know each other and building rapport
- Discussing your current concerns and challenges
- Exploring your personal history and background
- Identifying your goals for therapy
- Developing a realistic plan together
Ongoing Sessions
- Regular 60 minute appointments
- Exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Learning and practicing new coping strategies
- Processing difficult emotions in a safe space
- Regular review of progress and goals
My Commitment to You
- Complete confidentiality and privacy
- Non-judgmental, compassionate support
- Evidence-based practices and techniques
- Respect for your values and perspectives
- Collaborative approach to your healing journey
Benefits Of Counselling for Young People
Feeling Heard
A space where you can talk openly, feel understood, and know your thoughts and feelings are taken seriously.
Seeing Things Clearly
Support to make sense of situations, understand your reactions, and see challenges from new perspectives.
Tools That Help
Practical strategies you can use to manage stress, emotions, and difficult moments in everyday life.
Someone in Your Corner
Consistent support from a counsellor who is there to listen, guide, and support you through challenges.
Your Way
Counselling shaped around you, your experiences, and what matters most in your life.
Confidence That Grows
Building self‑belief, resilience, and skills that help you feel more capable over time.
Flexible Session Options
For Counselling for Young People
I understand that life can be busy and finding time for self-care isn’t always easy. That’s why I offer flexible session options to fit your schedule and preferences. No matter which format you choose, I maintain the same high standards of confidentiality, professionalism, and therapeutic effectiveness.
Some people find that a combination of in-person and telehealth sessions works best for their needs and lifestyle.
You can choose the option that works best for you:
In-Person Sessions
- You can meet me in my comfortable, private counselling space at 20/1 Maitland Place, Norwest, NSW. Most people appreciate the personal connection this traditional approach offers. My office is easy to reach by public transport, with convenient parking nearby.
Telehealth Sessions
- Connect with me via a secure video platform from the comfort of your home. Telehealth sessions can provide the same quality of care as in-person meetings while saving travel time and offering maximum convenience.
Free Introductory Call
- If you’re unsure which option suits you best, I offer a 15-minute introductory phone call. This is a chance for us to briefly discuss your needs, answer any questions, and help you feel confident about starting this journey.
Book a Free 15-minute Introductory Call
Book your free 15-minute introductory call to see how counselling could work for you. Together, we’ll explore your needs, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about starting your journey toward better mental health.
Book a SessionIn-Person Therapy Location In Sydney
We can work together in my private counselling space in Norwest, NSW, or via video call or phone call for those who prefer remote sessions. The office is conveniently located close to the metro and public transport, with free parking available.
Location
- 20/1 Maitland Place, Norwest NSW 2153
Opening Hours
- Monday: 11:00am – 8:15pm
- Wednesday & Friday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
- Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
- Saturday: 10:30am – 4:30pm
Contact Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Taking the first step towards counselling can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some helpful answers about how counselling for young people works.
Counselling can help with anxiety, stress, low confidence, emotional regulation, school pressure, friendship issues, family challenges, big life changes, and feeling stuck or unsure about yourself.
Sessions are a space to talk, reflect, and work through things together. You will explore what is happening for you, develop insight, and learn practical tools to help manage emotions and challenges in everyday life.
No. Counselling moves at your pace. You share what feels comfortable for you, when you are ready. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel safe doing so.
Your privacy is respected. In most cases, what you share stays confidential. Parents may be involved in a general way when helpful, but personal details are not shared without your consent unless there is a safety concern.
That’s okay. Many young people feel unsure at first. Counselling is about working things out together and seeing what feels helpful for you. You are always part of the decision‑making process.
Not at all. Counselling can help with everyday stress, emotional growth, confidence, and learning better ways to cope before things feel too overwhelming.
Explore Related Therapy Services
In addition to Counselling & Psychotherapy, I offer several complementary services to support your mental health and relationship needs.
