Child and Teenage Psychologists and Counsellors
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, our psychologists and counsellors work with children and teenagers in Menai and across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. If you are looking for a child psychologist in the Sutherland Shire, we work with children and teenagers at different ages and stages of development, adapting therapy to their individual needs.

​

Anxiety in children and teenagers

 

Anxiety can affect children and teenagers in different ways, including worry, avoidance, physical symptoms, difficulty separating from parents or becoming overwhelmed by school or social situations. Child anxiety counselling can help young people understand what is happening and develop practical ways to manage anxiety.

 

Our psychologists and counsellors work with children and teenagers experiencing anxiety. You can read more about our anxiety counselling and separation anxiety counselling.

​​​

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, autism, 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 Psychology and Counselling in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

 

If you have been searching for a child psychologist, teenage psychologist, child counsellor or teen therapist near you, our psychologists and counsellors work with children and teenagers across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

 

​Our registered psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and counsellors have experience working with children and adolescents, including neuro-affirming therapy, play therapy, trauma-informed approaches and Theraplay.

​

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 Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire and online where appropriate.

​​

If you're unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can help match your child or teenager with an appropriate clinician. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.