Family Counselling in Cairns

Strengthen connection, improve communication, and navigate challenges together — affordable, confidential family counselling in Cairns (and online). $80 per session with after-hours available.

When Family Counselling Helps

  • Constant arguments or “walking on eggshells”

  • Distance between parents and children or teens

  • Big transitions (separation, blended families, moving schools, grief)

  • Stress around routines, homework, devices, or boundaries

  • Rebuilding trust after conflict or crisis

  • Supporting a family member with anxiety, low mood, or OCD

Our Approach

We focus on connection over blame. Sessions are collaborative, practical, and paced to suit your family.

  • Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT): working with the emotional patterns underneath conflict to build empathy, safety, and repair.

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): building skills for managing strong emotions and staying aligned with values.

  • Solution-Focused methods: focusing on strengths and small, achievable changes.

  • Trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, and culturally respectful practice.

What to Expect

Before children join sessions, parents or caregivers are seen first.
This initial session allows us to understand your concerns, clarify goals, discuss family dynamics, and agree on an approach that ensures sessions are emotionally safe and productive for everyone involved.

Subsequent sessions may include the whole family, parents and children together, or separate sessions as needed.

You can expect:

  • A calm, structured, and supportive environment

  • Space for every voice to be heard safely

  • Guided conversations that replace reactivity with understanding

  • Simple strategies for communication, repair, and follow-through at home

  • Location: in-person in Cairns or secure online sessions

How Sessions Work

Session length: 120 minutes (longer sessions available on request)
First session: parent or caregiver consultation only
Subsequent sessions: joint or individual, depending on family needs
Frequency: weekly or fortnightly to start, then reduce as progress continues
Between sessions: light, practical reflection or connection tasks (no heavy homework)

Outcomes Families Notice

  • Less tension and faster repair after disagreements

  • Clearer communication and better cooperation

  • A shared language for feelings and needs

  • Stronger sense of teamwork and trust

Booking & Fees

  • $8160 per 2 hr session

  • Pay online at booking or in person

  • In-person and online sessions available

  • After-hours appointments offered

FAQs

Why are parents seen first?
Meeting with parents first allows us to discuss sensitive information privately, clarify goals, and ensure that when children join sessions, the space feels safe and constructive. It also helps us plan sessions that support—not overwhelm—your child.

Do all family members need to attend every session?
No. We’ll decide together which combinations (whole family, parent-only, or one-on-one) best support your goals.

What ages do you work with?
Primary-aged children through to adult families. Sessions are adapted to each child’s developmental stage.

Is this covered by a Medicare plan?
Counselling isn’t covered by Medicare, but at $160 per 2 hr session we keep support affordable and accessible (no GP referral needed).

Can separated or blended families attend?
Yes. Sessions can include both parents (together or separately), step-parents, and other caregivers, focusing on respectful communication and child wellbeing.

What if things are very tense right now?
That’s okay. We take things slowly, set clear boundaries for communication, and focus first on emotional safety before working through deeper issues.

Book a Family Counselling Session