Child & Family Counsellor
What is a Child and Family Counsellor?
Child and Family Counsellors (CFCs) are qualified social workers who support the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of children, young people and their families. They have specialist skills in child and family counselling, communication, and advocacy. Our CFCs have a particular focus on communication challenges including supporting clients who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH).
This may include helping with:
- emotional regulation and resilience
- low mood, worry, or anxiety
- self-esteem and confidence
- stress associated with school, friendships, or study
- school refusal or difficulties participating in learning
- big feelings and behaviour at home or school
- bullying, peer difficulties, or social skills
- adjustment to communication challenges, hearing loss, or new diagnoses
- family communication, routines, and relationships
- navigating NDIS and other funding systems
- linking with community supports
Our CFCs work collaboratively with children, parents, caregivers, and our audiology and speech pathology team to provide evidence-informed supports tailored to your family’s choices, challenges, goals and priorities.
When appropriate, our CFCs may recommend referral to other allied health or medical professionals (for example, a child psychologist for further assessment and support). Any suggested referrals will always be discussed with you first.
Our child and family counselling supports are tailored for children and young people who need a little extra support with life’s challenges. Our CFCs partner with you and your child to provide counselling, practical strategies, and guidance that are responsive to your child’s needs, interests, and family values.
Supports may include:
- individual counselling for children and young people
- parent and family support sessions to explore concerns and develop shared strategies
- support for siblings and other key caregivers
- support to understand and adjust to a new diagnosis or communication needs
- assistance to prepare for and participate in NDIS, school, or health appointments
- workshops or group programs to build skills, confidence, and connection
- work collaboratively with our audiology and speech pathology team to provide evidence-informed supports tailored to your family’s choices, challenges, goals and priorities
We partner with children and their families to provide warm, evidence-informed support in a safe and welcoming environment. Everyone needs help at times, and we are here to walk alongside you and your child.
Child and family counsellors can help children, young people, and their families in many ways. They listen carefully to your concerns, help you make sense of what is happening, and work with you to plan the next steps.
What are the signs my child might benefit from Child and Family Counselling?
Common reasons parents seek support include:
Symptoms of anxiety, for example:
- frequent worries and “what if” thoughts about the future or unknown situations
- avoiding new or anxietyprovoking situations
- difficulty separating from parents or caregivers
- tummy aches, headaches, or feeling sick
- difficulty winding down to go to sleep.
School problems, for example:
- refusing or struggling to attend school
- difficulty concentrating and paying attention
- feeling overwhelmed by noise, instructions, or social demands
- social difficulties such as bullying, friendship issues, or isolation.
Big feelings, for example:
- becoming easily frustrated or angry
- struggling to cope when things don’t go their way
- sibling conflict or frequent arguments at home
- behaviour that is unsafe, aggressive, or very out of character.
Symptoms of low mood or self-esteem, for example:
- negative self-talk or saying they are “no good”
- withdrawing from friends, family, or favourite activities
- being more tired, irritable, or flat than usual.
When appropriate, our child and family counsellor may recommend referral to other allied health or medical professionals (for example, a child psychologist for further assessment and support). Any suggested referrals will always be discussed with you first.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly clinical support team to find out more about how child and family counselling might be able to assist your child and family.
Do I need a referral to see a Child & Family Counsellor?
You don’t need a referral to see a Child & Family Counsellor (Social Worker). If you have access to funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) we can provide services to self-managed and plan-managed clients. Speak to one of our friendly team to learn about the various funding supports available.
