Child and Adolescent Therapy

"Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet." — Virginia Axline

Child and adolescent psychology, whether for assessment or therapy, is deeply connected to a child's environment—primarily their family and early learning settings. Child and Adolescent psychologists specialising in child and adolescent work tailor their approach based on the child's developmental stage.

For younger children, play-based therapy is often more appropriate than talk therapy. ‘Play’ in therapy may include activities such as drawing, games, imaginative plays with figurine, role play, worksheets, story making and so on. Children process emotions and learn interpersonal skills through playful co-creation with therapists. In addition to child sessions, we also suggest parents to receive their own counselling or parenting support sessions.

Teens may experience stress related to school, relationships, identity, or mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. In therapy, we provide a safe, non-judgmental space where adolescents can openly express their thoughts and feelings. Using a combination of different therapeutic modalities, our adolescent psychologists and counsellors help teens build self-confidence, emotional resilience, and healthy coping strategies. Therapy empowers adolescents to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

Animal-assisted therapy can be a powerful complement to these approaches, particularly for children and adolescents who may struggle with traditional talk-based therapy. The presence of a gentle, trained animal can help reduce anxiety, foster emotional connection, and create a sense of safety in the therapeutic space. For children, engaging with animals during play-based interventions can enhance their ability to express emotions, develop empathy, and build trust. For teens, animal-assisted sessions may provide comfort and grounding, helping them open up more easily and engage in the therapeutic process.

At this age, therapy sessions with the child alone are rarely effective, as young children primarily learn through observation, imitation, caregiver interactions, and repeated experiences. Therefore, psychological support for this age group is usually conducted with both the child and their caregiver.
Assessment Phase: Psychologists and counsellors work closely with parents to evaluate the child's cognitive, language, motor, and social development, as well as their attachment patterns with primary caregivers. By observing the child's nonverbal behaviors and engaging in discussions with parents, psychologists and counsellors gain insight into the child's emotional well-being and sources of stress.
Intervention Phase: Psychologists and counsellors do not provide individual therapy for infants and toddlers. Instead, psychologists and counsellors focus on supporting caregivers to foster a secure attachment with their child. In infancy, this may involve guidance on feeding, sleep, and soothing strategies, while in toddlerhood, the focus shifts to emotional regulation, separation anxiety, behavior management, and early social skills.
For children with special needs, psychologists and counsellors may recommend additional support and collaborate with other professionals, such as special needs teachers, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. This approach is not about being an authoritative expert dictating solutions. Instead, psychologists and counsellors strive to deeply understand each family's unique situation and work alongside them to explore the root causes of challenges, identifying practical, tailored strategies that work best for their household.
At this stage, children begin to develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, but their understanding of cause and effect is still limited (e.g., "Bad things happen because I am bad"). Their thinking remains concrete and imaginative, meaning that although their language skills improve, they often express emotions and thoughts more effectively through stories, animated characters, play, drawing, or role-playing rather than direct verbal communication.
Assessment Phase: The initial session with parents lasts 80 minutes, during which the psychologists/counsellor gathers information about the child’s behavior patterns, developmental history, and potential stressors. If needed, additional 2-3 sessionswith parents may follow. The psychologists/counsellor then meets the child individually to observe their symbolic expressions, nonverbal cues (e.g., eye contact, posture, gestures), and emotional responses. Children at this age can typically meet with a psychologists/counsellor on their own, and the psychologists/counsellor tailors the interaction method based on the child’s personality and comfort level.
With parental consent, the psychologists/counsellor may also consult with teachers via phone or video calls to gain insight into the child’s behavior at school. If a home or school visit is necessary, the psychologists/counsellor may collaborate with an occupational therapist to conduct further assessments. Once a comprehensive understanding is reached, the psychologists/counsellor meets with parents again to discuss findings and develop a treatment plan and goals.
Intervention Phase: The therapy room is equipped with a variety of toys (e.g., building blocks, dolls, puzzles), art materials (e.g., colored pencils, paper), and board games. Psychologists/counsellors closely observe the child's facial expressions, tone, and behavior to understand their emotions and needs. Children often project their inner experiences onto toys or role-playing scenarios (e.g., a "wild beast" may symbolize fear).
Since children in this age group have shorter attention spans, sessions typically last 30-40 minutes, sometimes split into different activities—for example, free play in the first half and structured intervention in the second half. Psychologists/counsellors also meet with parents regularly to share progress and provide practical recommendations. While ensuring that parents stay informed, psychologists also protect the child’s privacy appropriately to maintain trust and a safe therapeutic environment.
Children in this stage become more interested in rules, cause-and-effect relationships, and complex instructions. They can maintain attention for longer periods but still require interactive and varied activities to stay engaged.
At this age, children develop a stronger self-concept and become more sensitive to peer evaluation. They are easily affected by criticism or rejection and may begin hiding their true emotions. Instead of directly expressing distress, they might show it through behavioral changes or physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomach aches). Peer relationships become central, and issues related to friendship and group belonging are often a major focus.
In Australia, 16 years and older are generally considered capable of making their own healthcare decisions. For younger adolescents (12-16 years old), psychologists assess their ability to provide informed consent before initiating therapy. Regardless of age, therapy begins with an 80-minute parent session to understand family dynamics, concerns, and background.
Respecting Adolescents' Privacy
Having a private space to reflect, explore difficulties, and express emotions is crucial for adolescents. Psychologists respect their privacy preferences, such as:
- Whether they want to travel alone to the session
- Whether they prefer parents to wait outside
If an adolescent strongly resists parental involvement, the psychologist/counsellor does not attempt to persuade them, as this could damage the therapeutic relationship. However, psychologist/counsellor also recognize parental concerns and clearly communicate to adolescents that if there are any safety risks, parents will be informed.
Often, adolescents resist parental involvement due to fears of negative consequences or feelings of shame. If necessary, the psychologist/counsellor may refer the entire family for family therapy or suggest individual counselling for parents.
Common Issues Addressed in Therapy
Adolescence is a critical period of psychological and physical development, where self-identity is still forming. While adolescents crave independence, they still rely on family and peers for emotional regulation. Therapy commonly focuses on:
- Academic pressure
- Emotional regulation
- Peer relationships
- Parent-child conflict
- Self-identity
- Romantic relationships
Building Trust and Engagement
It is common for parents to report that their adolescent is resistant to therapy. This reluctance is expected, so psychologists/counsellors spend extra time building trust, using a relaxed and interactive approach to engage them.
Even if adolescents refuse to share therapy details with their parents, parental involvement remains essential. Psychological issues are often deeply connected to the family environment. At appropriate times, parents may be invited to sessions to help improve family communication.
The Best Outcomes Often Involve Parental Support
Families that achieve the best therapy outcomes often have both the adolescent and the parent attending separate therapy sessions. When parents actively reflect on their own responses and patterns, it creates a healthier environment for the adolescent’s growth.

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Family Involvement

We believe that family support is crucial for a child’s healing and development. While individual therapy sessions focus on the child’s needs, parental involvement plays a key role in reinforcing progress at home. We encourage parents to participate in:

Parent Consultation: Learn strategies to support your child’s emotional well-being and navigate behavioural challenges effectively.
Psychoeducation: Gain insights into child development, emotional regulation, and effective parenting techniques.

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FAQs

How do I know if my child or teen needs a psychologist?

Children and adolescents may benefit from psychological therapy or counselling if they are struggling with emotional, social, or behavioural challenges that impact their daily life. Signs that psychological therapy or counselling may be helpful include excessive worry or sadness, difficulty managing emotions, changes in sleep or eating, withdrawal from family or friends, struggles at school, and behavioural issues. If you're unsure, a consultation with a therapist can help determine the best course of action.

How does therapy for adolescents differ from therapy for children?

Therapy for adolescents is more conversational, but it may also include creative and interactive techniques such as journaling, art, or mindfulness exercises. Teens are encouraged to openly explore their thoughts and emotions, build coping skills, and work through challenges related to school, relationships, self-esteem, and mental health. Therapy provides a confidential and judgment-free space where they can feel heard and supported.

Will I be involved in my child's or teen’s therapy?

Parental involvement is an important part of the therapeutic process. For younger children, therapists may provide regular updates and parent coaching to support progress at home. For adolescents, therapy remains confidential to create a safe space for open discussion, but therapists may involve parents when necessary and with the teen’s consent. Family sessions can also be incorporated when beneficial, or some parents may opt to see their own psychologists or counsellors for support.

How long does therapy usually take?

The length of therapy varies based on the child’s or teen’s needs and goals. Some may benefit from short-term therapy (a few months), while others may need longer-term support. Progress is regularly reviewed, and therapy continues as long as it is helpful for the child or adolescent.

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Mental Health Practitioners