Description text Starting counselling for your teenager is a significant step, and it's normal to have questions.

Your role matters. Research consistently shows young people do better in therapy when a parent or caregiver is engaged and informed — not in every session, but in the process. At the start we'll talk about what involvement looks like for your family.

What we can work on: Anxiety, worry and panic — low mood and withdrawal — school stress and exam anxiety — friendship difficulties and social confidence — family conflict — identity and self-esteem — grief and loss — big life changes (separation, moving school, family illness) — trauma and difficult past experiences.

What to expect: An initial consultation with you (free, 30 minutes) to understand the background and what you're hoping for. Individual sessions with your teenager — confidential within limits. Periodic check-ins with you at a broad level, without disclosing what your teenager has shared. A collaborative approach to goals and next steps.

Confidentiality: What your teenager shares stays between us, with one important exception — I will always let you know if I am concerned about their safety or the safety of others. We'll talk this through clearly at the start so everyone understands the boundaries.

Consent: A parent or guardian must provide consent for young people under 16. For 16–17 year olds, they can consent themselves, though parental awareness is encouraged.

Fees: Sessions are $140 per 50 minutes. The initial parent consultation is free. If cost is a barrier, get in touch — I'm happy to discuss what's workable.goes here

If a parent sent you to this page — or you found it yourself — here's what I want you to know.

Counselling isn't about someone telling you what to do, or deciding there's something wrong with you. It's just a space where you can talk honestly about what's going on, without it getting back to your parents, your school, or your friends.

What you tell me stays between us. The only exception is if I'm worried you might be at serious risk of harm — and I'll always talk to you about that before I do anything.

Sessions are online via Zoom, which means no waiting rooms, no running into anyone you know. You can be in your room, wherever you feel comfortable.

You don't have to have everything figured out before you start. You just have to be willing to show up.

Some things people your age come to talk about: Anxiety and stress — feeling low or flat — trouble at school — friendship problems — family stuff — figuring out who you are — something that happened that's hard to shake.

I welcome referrals from schools, school counsellors, practitioners, GPs, paediatricians, and other professionals working with young people and families.

About this service: Private counselling for young people aged 12–17 presenting with anxiety, low mood, school-related stress, family conflict, trauma, and adjustment difficulties. Sessions are delivered via Zoom (face-to-face in Cairns from August 2026). This is a private practice — it is not a crisis service and does not provide psychiatric assessment or diagnosis. For acute risk, please follow your usual referral pathways.

Credentials: Master of Counselling (University of Canberra) — PACFA Certified Practising Counsellor #25511. Professional experience in statutory child protection, working directly with children, young people, and families in complex and high-risk circumstances.

Approach: Trauma-informed, strengths-based practice drawing on ACT, CBT, and attachment-informed approaches. I understand the statutory context and work collaboratively with families and, where appropriate, with referring professionals.

Fit with statutory and school services: This service complements rather than duplicates statutory involvement. I have worked as an external school counsellor in Canberra and family support services and understand mandatory reporting obligations, confidentiality limits, and the dynamics of involuntary or court-involved family circumstances.

Making a referral: Contact me directly via the contact page or by email. Useful information to include: young person's age, presenting concerns, current involvement of other services, and whether parental consent has been discussed. I will respond within two business days.

Fees: Sessions are $140 per 50 minutes, payable by the family. This service is not Medicare-funded. Some private health funds provide rebates — families should check their cover. I am willing to provide reports to referring agencies where appropriate (fee applies).