Counselling

Youth & Teen Counselling in Armidale, Tamworth & Online

Young people generally do not want to be brought somewhere to be fixed, and they can tell within minutes whether an adult is genuinely listening. Youth counselling at Change Play starts from the young person’s own account of things, not from the version they have already heard about themselves.

What youth counselling helps with

  • Anxiety, worry, and panic
  • School refusal, exam pressure, and academic stress
  • Friendship difficulties, exclusion, and bullying
  • Low mood, withdrawal, and loss of interest
  • Anger and conflict at home
  • Adjusting to separation, a move, or a new family structure
  • Identity, confidence, and self-worth

What to expect

How involved parents are depends on the young person’s age and what would genuinely help. Diane is clear from the outset about what stays between her and the young person and what would need to be shared, so nobody is caught out later. For younger children, parents are usually part of the work rather than waiting outside it.

Youth Counselling fees

60-minute session

$150 concession rate

$175

AUD incl. GST. The same fee applies online or in person. Full fees and policies

Questions about youth counselling

What ages do you work with?

Change Play works with children, teenagers, and adults. The approach shifts considerably with age, and how parents are involved shifts with it. Get in touch with your child’s age and what is happening and Diane will tell you what would suit.

Will you tell me what my child says?

Not verbatim, and that limit is what makes the work possible. Confidentiality is explained clearly to both of you at the start. Diane will always tell you if there is a safety concern, and will let your child know that is the case rather than doing it behind their back.

My teenager does not want to come. What should I do?

That is very common and not a reason to give up. Some parents come alone for a session first to work out how to approach it. Forcing attendance rarely helps, but neither does waiting indefinitely, and there is usually a middle path.