For Teens

What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity to discuss consent, goals, expectations, previous therapeutic experiences and counsellor to answer any questions that a client may have.
 It is a “get to know you”/ Introductory session that builds the foundation for future engagement. The first time can be awkward for clients, it is the counsellors job to establish a sense of safety and create a welcoming space. Often the first step can feel like the most challenging but once you start your journey, comfort in transparency will build and should feel safe with their right engagement.

What ages do you work with?
12 to 18 years of age.

Can you diagnose my child/me?
Counsellors may use screenings or questionnaires that may identify challenges, risks and a general view of the clients state. However, counsellors do not engage in diagnostics or prescribe medication. Often working collaboratively with clinicians that may work within spheres of treatments, counsellors are focused on experiential understanding of a clients worldview and goals.
Counsellors may often work alongside Orygen Youth Health clinicians, Headspace, associated mental health/youth organisations and GP’s.

Is counselling confidential?
Ethical counselling practice supports confidentiality, clients can share their sessions with whomever they please. However, counsellors will not break confidentiality with the exception of identified harm/danger- these are aspects that will be clearly defined with the client.
Often parents may request a simple dot point summary after a few sessions, this will be provided in agreed upon instances in collaboration with the young client (under18).

Do you collaborate with schools and organisations?
With consent from all participants, I am able to work within care teams that may involve school based wellbeing teams and external organisations. I have worked within secondary and tertiary education providers/schools for nearly 10 years and have developed a fruitful working relationship with wellbeing teams, school coordinators, teaching staff and principles. I am experienced with working with community based mental health teams and happy to engage in meetings or provide brief summaries (with client permission) where appropriate.

Do you do home visits?
No, at this stage only telehealth and in person counselling is available.

Can I sit in the sessions with my child?
Sessions generally run from 45 to 50 minutes. Parents may attend at the last 5 minutes of a session in some cases.

What if my teen/I don’t talk in the first session?
The beauty of counselling is that there is an emphasis on the therapeutic bond between counsellor and client. My goal is to make clients feel comfortable, this may be in the adoption of a creative practice - this could be anything from drawings together, listening to music, playing jenga or engaging in a tactile based project. My goal is to establish a sense of comfort and learn a clients unique expression.

Do you work with LGBTQI teens?
Absolutely! I am experienced working with LGBTQI relationships, gender identities, self esteem and diverse expressions. I engage in regular education in the community. However, I predominantly focus on the young clients own unique presentation and experience-their own unique story.

How does payment work?
Invoices will be sent via designated email. This service is not available for medicare rebate.

Do you offer Supervision?
Currently I do not offer supervision. However, Raquel McConnell does come highly recommended for practitioners working to develop their craft. https://www.reflectivepracticecounselling.com/