Written by Louis Chalouhi, Counsellor (Master’s in Counselling), ACA Level 2 and PACFA member.
Last updated
Children and teenagers often show stress through behaviour, sleep, school or friendships before they can put it into words.
Counselling gives them a safe place to be heard by a trusted adult outside the family.
I use conversation, activities and practical skills suited to their age, from gentle emotional coaching for younger children to CBT and DBT-informed skills for teens.
Parents and carers are part of the process, so the support continues at home.
Who I see
- Children from around 6 years old experiencing worry, big emotions, grief, low self-esteem or difficulty adjusting to change
- Teenagers navigating anxiety, low mood, bullying, peer pressure, identity, self-confidence, school stress or family conflict
- Young people learning to understand and manage strong emotions
- Families referred by a GP, school or allied health professional, or reaching out directly
Concerns I work with
- Children’s counselling
- Teenage counselling
- Adolescent mental health
- Bullying
- School stress
- Peer pressure
- Behavioural challenges
- Emotional regulation
How sessions with young people work
Sessions are shaped around your child’s age, personality and interests, so they feel comfortable and safe.
- A parent conversation firstWe start with parents or carers, to understand what’s been happening and what you’d like to see change.
- Building trust with your childEarly sessions focus on getting to know your child, so they feel safe to share at their own pace.
- Skills for home and schoolWe build practical ways to manage feelings, friendships and stress, and I share strategies with you to support them between sessions.
Privacy for young people
Young people need to trust that their counselling space is private.
I talk with parents and the young person together about what stays between us and what I’ll share.
I always involve parents when someone’s safety needs protecting.
In person or online
I see clients in person in Bella Vista, Liverpool and the Inner West, and online by Zoom or phone, anywhere in Australia or overseas.
Appointments run Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 7pm, subject to availability, and the days at each room vary.
You can book directly, with no GP referral needed, and your first step is a free 15-minute call.
Read more about online counselling, or about fees, rebates and booking.
Common questions
What age do you work with?
I see children from around 6 years old, through the preteen and teenage years.
Will I be in the session with my child?
It depends on your child’s age and what feels right for them.
Younger children often like a parent nearby at first, while teenagers usually prefer time on their own, with parents joining for part of a session when helpful.
Can my child’s school refer them?
Yes.
I welcome referrals from schools, GPs and allied health professionals, and families can also contact me directly.
Support at any hour
Mind Therapy Room offers booked appointments, so for urgent support please use one of these services.
- Emergency000
- Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25)1800 55 1800
- Lifeline, 24 hours, 7 days13 11 14