Child and Adolescent Psychology and Counselling
in the Sutherland Shire

When your child or teenager is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, school refusal or changes in behaviour, it can be hard to know what will actually help.  

 

Evolving Minds provides child and adolescent psychology and counselling in Menai, supporting children, teenagers and families across the Sutherland Shire. Our registered psychologists and counsellors offer a calm, structured space to understand what is happening for your child and support them using practical, evidence-based strategies.

​​​

What you might notice in your child or teenager

​

Children and teenagers don't always have the words for what they are experiencing. Distress often shows up in their behaviour, mood or how they relate to others.

​

You might notice:

• Emotional outbursts or difficulty managing frustration

• Withdrawal, shutdown or avoidance

• Anxiety, separation anxiety or school-related difficulties

• Low mood, sadness or signs of child or teenage depression

• Changes in behaviour at home or school

• Challenges with friendships or relationships

• Difficulty with attention, emotional regulation or routines

 

These presentations may also overlap with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, friendship difficulties, eating disorders or family counselling, depending on your child's needs.

​

​How our child and teenage psychologists and counsellors help

 

Sessions are adapted to each child's age, developmental stage and individual needs.

​

For younger children, our child psychologists and counsellors may use play-based and creative approaches that support emotional expression and connection. For teenagers, sessions often focus on identity, relationships, emotional regulation, school pressure and navigating increasing independence.

 

Our work draws on evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, play therapy and trauma-informed approaches, matched to each child's presentation.

​​​

Working with parents and families

 

The level of parent involvement depends on your child's age and what they need. For younger children, sessions often include parents directly to support consistency at home. For adolescents, sessions are usually a confidential space of their own, with separate parent sessions or check-ins to keep you informed and involved.

​

For some families, this work also extends into reparative parenting or family counselling.

​​​​

Child and adolescent counselling across the Sutherland Shire

 

Evolving Minds is based in Menai and works with families from across the Sutherland Shire, including Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Gymea, Sutherland, Cronulla and Sylvania.

 

Our team includes registered psychologists, accredited mental health social workers and qualified counsellors with specific training in working with children, adolescents and families. This includes play therapy, trauma-informed care, and Theraplay, an attachment-based therapy for strengthening parent–child relationships. We work in a neuro-affirming and inclusive way, and secure online sessions are available where appropriate.

​

Evolving Minds also offers psychology and counselling across the Sutherland Shire for adults, couples and families.

​

Getting started with child or adolescent counselling in Menai

 

If you're unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.