Counselling for School Avoidance and School Refusal

School avoidance occurs when a child or adolescent experiences significant emotional distress about attending school. This distress can lead to frequent absences, morning meltdowns, difficulty entering the classroom or complete avoidance. For many young people, school refusal is linked to anxiety, including separation anxiety, social anxiety, performance anxiety or generalised anxiety. Other contributing factors may include bullying, peer challenges, academic pressure, learning difficulties or perfectionism.

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School refusal is also common among neurodivergent children and adolescents, including those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, executive functioning challenges or learning differences. Busy classrooms, unpredictable routines, social expectations and sensory overload can feel overwhelming and exhausting. 

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide therapy for children, adolescents and families across the Sutherland Shire, including Bangor, Illawong, Alfords Point, Barden Ridge, Engadine, Woronora Heights, Sylvania, Kirrawee, Gymea, Miranda and Caringbah. They take a compassionate, structured and neuro-affirming approach to understanding what is sitting beneath school refusal and what each young person needs to feel safe, capable and supported.

 

We use evidence-based therapies such as:

 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness

• Parent Coaching

• Play and Art Therapy

• Gradual Return Planning

 

Therapy helps young people understand what feels difficult about school, reduce anxiety or overwhelm, and build coping strategies that support gradual re-engagement. Together, we identify fears, sensory triggers or pressures, strengthen emotional and behavioural skills and support small, manageable steps back toward school routines.

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With your consent, our clinicians work with schools, teachers, learning support teams and other professionals to ensure your child has consistent, realistic supports in place. This collaborative approach reduces pressure at home, improves communication and helps create a smoother, more sustainable return to learning.

 

If you would like to arrange an appointment for school refusal counselling in the Sutherland Shire, please call Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology on 02 8519 4197 or click the button below to make an enquiry for online or in-person sessions at our Menai practice.