Child Counselling Sutherland Shire

Children do not always have the words to explain what they are experiencing. Emotional distress may instead appear through changes in behaviour, sleep, friendships, school experiences, confidence or relationships with parents and caregivers. Child counselling provides children with a safe and supportive environment where their experiences can be understood in ways that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

At Interpersonal Therapy, I provide child counselling in the Sutherland Shire using a child-centred, trauma-informed and evidence-based approach. Therapy is adapted to the individual child rather than expecting every child to communicate or engage in the same way. Depending on their age and needs, counselling may incorporate conversation, play, creative activities, storytelling, emotional education and other developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches.

Phone: 0402 998 830

✉️ interpersonaltherapy.sw@gmail.com

Helping children understand and manage big emotions

Child counselling may help children who are experiencing:

• Anxiety and excessive worry

• Emotional overwhelm or difficulty regulating emotions

• Low confidence or self-esteem

• Friendship and social difficulties

• School-related stress

• Behavioural or emotional changes

• Family separation or significant life changes

• Grief and loss

• Trauma or distressing experiences

• Difficulties adjusting to change

• Neurodivergent emotional and social challenges

Rather than focusing simply on changing a child's behaviour, therapy seeks to understand what may be underneath it. Children often communicate their emotional needs through behaviour, and understanding these needs can be an important part of supporting lasting change.

Working with children and families

Children are supported within the context of their important relationships. Where appropriate, counselling involves parents or caregivers so they can better understand their child's emotional needs and learn ways to support emotional regulation and connection at home.

My approach is collaborative and respectful of the child's individual personality, developmental stage and experiences. The goal is to create a therapeutic environment where children feel safe, understood and supported rather than judged.

EMDR for children

EMDR can be adapted for children when they have experienced trauma, frightening events or other distressing experiences. Child-friendly EMDR may incorporate play, storytelling, creative activities and parent-supported bilateral stimulation, while maintaining the core principles of the EMDR approach.

Not every child needs EMDR, and therapy is always tailored to the individual child's circumstances and readiness.

Child counselling in Caringbah and the Sutherland Shire

Interpersonal Therapy provides child counselling in Caringbah and the Sutherland Shire, supporting children and families with a range of emotional, behavioural and relational concerns.

If you are concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing, counselling can provide a safe space to understand what may be happening beneath the surface and help your child develop the skills, confidence and support they need.

Phone: 0402 998 830

✉️ interpersonaltherapy.sw@gmail.com