Therapy for
Children and Adolescents

Therapy for children, adolescents and young people aged 8+ using developmentally appropriate approaches to help them make sense of their emotions, experiences and relationships.

  • Emotion regulation

  • Behaviour concerns

  • Discipline and conflict resolution

  • Attachment and bonding

  • Self-esteem

  • School avoidance

  • Technology use

  • Early intervention for emerging mental health concerns like anxiety and depression

The Therapy Process

1
Parent/Carer Initial Consultation

The first session is with the parent or carer without the child present. I learn about your child’s personality, history and environment, identify main concerns and clarify what you’d like support with.

2
Child Assessment

This is the first time your child and I meet each other! We get to know each other, build rapport, and I get to understand their world through conversation and play. At the same time, I’m keeping an eye out for their strengths, concerns and goals.

3
Therapy Plan

Together, we develop a shared understanding of what’s going on and agree on a plan of support. This formulation is collaborative and flexible and may evolve as therapy progresses.

4
Therapy Sessions

Children’s sessions run for 40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute debrief with parents or carers. Debriefs focus on themes, progress and practical ways to support your child between sessions.

5
Parent/Carer Support Sessions

Dedicated parent/carer-only sessions to check in on progress, reflect on what’s working and address any new concerns. These sessions allow us to adjust the plan or change direction if needed.

6
Maintenance or Discharge

As goals are met, we plan for either reduced support or a supported discharge. The aim is for families to feel confident continuing without ongoing therapy.

Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, children can access psychotherapy with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP or paediatrician, and a parent or carer will be listed as the Medicare claimant for rebates.

  • No, MHTPs include up to two parent/carer sessions per calendar year. These sessions are counted as part of your child’s maximum of 10 rebated sessions per year.

  • Yes, I welcome NDIS participants! As the NDIS supports people with lifelong disabilities, therapy is typically longer-term and focuses on improving daily functioning, building capacity, and supporting the child and family system.

  • To access Medicare rebates, please see your GP or paediatrician for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral, which they can send to me directly.

    Otherwise, please get in touch by clicking this link.

  • I usually recommend weekly or fortnightly sessions to help build routine, safety and momentum. Frequency can be adjusted to suit your family’s needs, including during school holidays or busy periods.

  • Yes. Many adolescents value privacy and independence, and this is respected. I still aim to keep parents appropriately informed through brief check-ins or review sessions, while maintaining your child’s confidentiality and sense of safety.

  • With your consent, I can liaise with schools, GPs, or other professionals involved in your child’s care to support consistency and shared understanding.

Get in touch

The best way to contact me is by phone on 0456 668 649 or email at tash@redearthcounselling.com.au. You are also welcome to leave your details in the contact form here, which once submitted will be sent to me as an email.