Child and Adolescent Psychology and Counselling
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

Children and teenagers struggle in different ways. Anxiety, big emotions, difficulties at school, friendship problems, changes in behaviour or withdrawing from others can all be signs that they may need some additional support.

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, we provide child and adolescent psychology and counselling across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. We work with children and young people from primary school age through to late adolescence. Therapy is tailored to the young person’s age, developmental stage and individual needs.

​​​

How do I know if my child or teenager might benefit from therapy?

​

Children and teenagers don't always have the words to explain what they are experiencing. Difficulties may instead show up in their emotions, behaviour, relationships or experiences at school.

​

You might notice:

• Emotional outbursts or difficulty managing frustration

• Withdrawal, shutdown or avoidance

• Anxiety, separation anxiety or school-related difficulties

• Low mood or sadness

• Changes in behaviour at home or school

• Challenges with friendships or relationships

• Difficulty with attention, emotional regulation or routines

 

These difficulties may be associated with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, friendship difficulties, eating disorders or difficulties within the family.

​

​How can therapy help my child or teenager?

 

Therapy provides children and teenagers with a space to understand and express what they are experiencing, develop practical strategies and build skills for managing difficult emotions and situations.

​

Sessions are adapted to the young person's age, developmental stage and individual needs. For younger children, therapy may include play-based and creative approaches that support emotional expression and communication. For adolescents, sessions may focus on areas such as anxiety, emotional regulation, friendships and relationships, school pressures, identity and increasing independence.

 

Our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play and Art Therapy and trauma-informed approaches, depending on the young person's needs.

​​​

Will I be involved in my child's therapy?

 

Parent involvement will depend on your child's age, developmental stage and individual needs. Parents are often more involved in therapy with younger children, while adolescents generally have greater privacy and independence. Your clinician will discuss confidentiality and how you can be appropriately involved in your child's therapy.

​

For some families, reparative parenting or family counselling may also be appropriate.

​

Child and adolescent counselling in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

 

If you have been searching for a child psychologist, adolescent psychologist or teenage therapist near you, our team works with children, adolescents and families across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. If you are looking for a child psychologist in the Sutherland Shire, our Client Care Team can help match your child with an appropriate clinician.

​

Our registered psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and counsellors have experience working with children and adolescents, including play therapy, trauma-informed approaches and Theraplay. Theraplay uses attachment-informed principles to support relationships between children and their parents or caregivers.

​

We work with families from Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Gymea, Sutherland, Cronulla and Sylvania, as well as the neighbouring St George area. Therapy is available in person at our Sutherland Shire practice and online where appropriate.

​​

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.