info@psychologymelbourne.com.au
1300 161 639
Psychologists Online across Australia for counselling, testing and groups - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra
Counselling for Children
Childhood is a period of rapid emotional, social, and cognitive development. During these early years, children are learning how to understand their feelings, communicate their needs, and navigate relationships with family members, teachers, and peers. While many children move through this stage smoothly, others may struggle with emotional or behavioural challenges that can affect their wellbeing at home or at school.
Child counselling in Melbourne can help children better understand their emotions, develop coping skills, and build confidence in managing difficult situations. Working with a qualified child psychologist in Melbourne can provide both children and parents with practical strategies to support healthy emotional development.
Emotional and Behavioural Challenges in Children
Children may experience a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties as they grow. These challenges may arise from developmental changes, family stress, school pressures, or social difficulties.
Some children may struggle with managing strong emotions such as anger, anxiety, or sadness. Others may experience difficulties with behaviour, attention, or peer relationships.
Common concerns seen in child counselling include:
- Anxiety and excessive worries
- Low self-confidence or self-esteem
- Behavioural difficulties or emotional outbursts
- Attention and concentration problems
- Social difficulties or problems making friends
- School avoidance or reluctance to attend school
- Family changes such as separation or divorce
- Grief or adjustment to loss
- Bullying or peer conflict
Early support through therapy for children can help prevent these concerns from becoming more persistent and can improve a child’s emotional resilience.
Anxiety in Children
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in childhood. While some level of worry is a normal part of development, persistent anxiety can interfere with a child’s ability to participate in school, social activities, or everyday routines.
Children experiencing anxiety may show signs such as:
- Frequent worries about school, friendships, or family
- Physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches
- Difficulty separating from parents or caregivers
- Avoidance of certain situations or activities
- Sleep difficulties or nightmares
Counselling for childhood anxiety can help children learn strategies to manage worries, build confidence, and feel safer in challenging situations.
Behavioural Difficulties
Children sometimes express emotional distress through behaviour rather than words. Behavioural concerns may include defiance, anger outbursts, impulsive behaviour, or difficulty following rules.
These behaviours can be influenced by many factors, including emotional regulation difficulties, developmental conditions such as ADHD, stress within the family, or challenges at school.
Working with a child psychologist can help identify the underlying causes of these behaviours and develop practical strategies that support both the child and their parents.
Social Difficulties and Bullying
Developing friendships and learning social skills are important parts of childhood. Some children may find it difficult to form friendships, interpret social cues, or manage conflicts with peers.
Bullying can also have a significant impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing. It may occur in different forms, including physical, verbal, or relational bullying such as exclusion or spreading rumours.
Child counselling can help children develop confidence in social situations, strengthen communication skills, and learn constructive ways to respond to peer challenges.
Supporting Children Through Family Changes
Changes within the family can affect a child’s emotional security and behaviour. Situations such as parental separation, blended families, relocation, or illness within the family may create uncertainty or stress for children.
Some children may respond with emotional withdrawal, behavioural difficulties, or increased anxiety.
Counselling can help children understand these changes and provide them with a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings. Psychologists may also work with parents to support positive communication and adjustment during these transitions.
How Our Psychologists Can Help
Our child psychologists in Melbourne provide a supportive and structured environment where children can explore their feelings and develop new coping skills.
Therapy for children often involves a combination of conversation, play-based activities, and skill-building exercises designed to help children:
- Understand and express their emotions
- Improve emotional regulation
- Develop confidence and resilience
- Strengthen problem-solving skillsImprove emotional regulation
- Improve communication and social skillsImprove emotional regulation
Depending on the child’s needs, sessions may involve individual work with the child, parent consultations, or family sessions
The Team of Child Psychologists
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Dr Ross Leembruggen
online only
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Elly Alija
online only
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Magdalene Sng
online only
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Michelle Elias
Melbourne CBD
Concerns We Commonly Support
Our psychologists provide child counselling in Melbourne for a range of concerns, including:
- Childhood anxiety and worries
- Behavioural difficulties or emotional outbursts
- Attention and concentration problems (including ADHD)
- Autism and related neurodivergent presentations
- Low self-confidence or self-esteem
- Difficulties with friendships or social skills
- School refusal or school-related anxiety
- Bullying or peer conflict
- Family changes such as separation or blended families
- Grief and adjustment to life changes
If needed, our psychologists may also collaborate with schools, GPs, or other professionals involved in supporting the child.
Child Autism Assessment
A comprehensive developmental assessment exploring behaviour, communication, and learning through consultations and testing, with a report that may assist parents and professionals in planning support strategies.
Cost: $2300
Child ADHD Assessment
This assessment explores a child’s developmental history and behaviour across several consultations, providing a professional report to help inform understanding and guide next steps for support.
Cost: $2300
Child IQ Assessment
This assessment is designed for children whose parents, teachers, or carers would like more information about their learning profile and cognitive strengths. It provides professional insights that may assist in understanding your child’s abilities and informing educational or developmental planning.
Register your Interest
Therapeutic Approaches We May Use
Our psychologists use a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to the needs of each child. These may include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Play-based therapeutic techniques
- Parent guidance and support
- Family therapy
- Social skills training
- Positive behaviour support strategies
- Mindfulness-informed approaches
Therapy plans are designed to suit the child’s developmental stage and individual needs.
When Should You Seek Support?
Parents may consider consulting a psychologist if their child is experiencing:
- Persistent anxiety or worries
- Frequent emotional outbursts or behavioural difficulties
- Ongoing problems at school
- Social withdrawal or difficulty making friends
- Bullying or peer conflict
- Changes in mood or behaviour following a stressful life event
Early intervention can help children develop effective coping skills and reduce the risk of ongoing difficulties.
Seeking Help for Your Child
If you are concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing, you may wish to consult a child psychologist in Melbourne to discuss your concerns. An initial consultation can help determine whether counselling may be helpful and identify the most appropriate support for your child.
Psychology Melbourne provides child counselling and therapy for children in Melbourne CBD and online, supporting families in helping children develop emotional resilience, confidence, and healthy coping skills.
If you would like to learn more about our child counselling services or arrange an appointment, please contact our reception team to discuss your child’s needs.
