AGE APPROPRIATE COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
WHAT WE OFFER
PLAY THERAPY
Play Therapy is an age appropriate style of counselling that allows children to express their thoughts and feelings using play. Children take the lead in the playroom and engage with the therapist and the resources available on their own terms, giving the therapist insight into the child's view of themselves, their relationships and the world around them.
In the therapy room, children are able to safely discuss and process their experiences while the therapist responds in a way that helps them build their independence, self-esteem and ability to self-regulate.
The child-led nature of this therapy makes it perfect for children of all ages and abilities. For those children who would prefer to talk through their issues in a more traditional way, age appropriate cognitive-behavioral, solution focused and person centered counselling strategies are selected, while the resources of the play therapy room are still available.
TEEN/TWEEN COUNSELLING
Our office also contains a therapy space specifically designed for tweens and teens who feel too old for a play therapy space but still need more to feel comfortable than a traditional counselling room with two chairs and a box of tissues. This space contains art supplies, board games, Lego, weighted blankets, nerf guns and other activities to help your teen/tween feel safe in the space and to connect with their counsellor, without worrying about having to find something to say all the time.
PARENT SUPPORT SESSIONS
These sessions are ideal if you are unsure what kind of support your child/teen needs or you know you need a bit of help but aren't at the point where you need long term support. You will have the chance to talk through what is happening for your family, receive some take home strategies to assist immediately and advice on how you may be able to move forward including how to communicate with school, referrals to other services etc.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a transformative therapy technique that has been shown to be highly effective in treating a wide range of issues, especially trauma-related conditions. Through the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds, EMDR facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories and helps individuals make sense of their past experiences in a safe and controlled manner, leading to a reduction in emotional distress and the alleviation of symptoms.
CIRCLE OF SECURITY WORKSHOPS
The Circle of Security is a framework used to understand and enhance the relationship between caregivers and children. Children need a balance of feeling safe exploring the world and seeking comfort from their caregivers. The Circle of Security offers a great visual and illustrates how caregivers can support this by understanding and meeting their children's emotional needs, promoting secure attachment and healthy development.
NORTHSIDE COUNSELLING & PLAY THERAPY OFFERS:
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Therapeutic support for children and young adults experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges. This can include but is not limited to:
- Behavioral and social issues
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Domestic violence
- Family separation
- Low self-esteem
- Grief and loss
- Depression
- School refusal
- Self-regulation difficulties
- Mental health difficulties arising from physical disabilities
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Support for neurodivergent (inc. Autistic and ADHD) children, young adults and their caregivers while they navigate a complex world. This includes:
- Tailored therapeutic approaches
- Building social skills
- Emotional regulation
- Parent / Caregiver support and workshops
- Empowerment and self confidence
- Education and advocacy
INDIVIDUAL PLAY THERAPY, COUNSELLING OR PARENT SESSIONS
$120 - $200 per 1hr appointment block
NDIS funded self and plan managed sessions available
No Medicare rebates available
Sibling play therapy sessions will be considered on request