Parent Counselling
Support for the parents of children and teenagers going through something hard, when what you really need most is somewhere to think it all through yourself.
Navigating your child’s emotional and behavioural struggles is a journey best shared.
Children experience a mental health condition every year
of lifelong mental health conditions begin before age fourteen
Australian children receive specialised mental health care annually
Primary school students experience anxiety conditions in Australia yearly
Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Somewhere to think
Most of what’s written about children’s mental health is written for the child. Less exists for the parent lying awake, working out what to do next, second-guessing every decision, holding it together in front of everyone who’s watching. You can be doing everything right and still feel like you’re failing. This isn’t about parenting classes or being told what you’re doing wrong — it’s a space that’s yours, to think out loud, unpick what’s actually going on, and work out what you need rather than only what your child needs. Looking after yourself here isn’t a detour from helping your child at all.
Most of what’s written about children’s mental health is written for the child. Less exists for the parent lying awake, working out what to do next, second-guessing every decision, holding it together in front of everyone who’s watching. You can be doing everything right and still feel like you’re failing.
This isn’t about parenting classes or being told what you’re doing wrong — it’s a space that’s yours, to think out loud, unpick what’s actually going on, and work out what you need rather than only what your child needs. Looking after yourself here isn’t a detour from helping your child at all.
Running on empty
Parents usually get in touch after months of holding a great deal on their own. Constant conflict over the same issue, night after night. Feeling like you’ve read everything, tried everything, and that nothing has really shifted. Guilt that you’re somehow the cause, or that you’re not doing enough, or doing too much. Two parents who love their child and can’t agree on how to respond, which makes everything harder for both of you. Sometimes it’s grief — for the calmer family life you thought you’d have, or for the childhood your child isn’t having. None of that needs a diagnosis behind it.
Parents usually get in touch after months of holding a great deal on their own. Constant conflict over the same issue, night after night. Feeling like you’ve read everything, tried everything, and that nothing has really shifted.
Guilt that you’re somehow the cause, or that you’re not doing enough, or doing too much. Two parents who love their child and can’t agree on how to respond, which makes everything harder for both of you.
Sometimes it’s grief — for the calmer family life you thought you’d have, or for the childhood your child isn’t having. None of that needs a diagnosis behind it.
Space to unpack
Sessions are built around you — what’s actually happening, what you’ve already tried, and what would genuinely help you right now. Sometimes that’s practical: how to respond when things escalate, how to get two parents onto the same page, and how to talk to a child about something hard without over-explaining it or under-explaining it. Sometimes it’s simply somewhere to say the things you can’t say to your child, your partner, or even your closest friends without it changing how they see your family. You can come alone, with your partner, or alongside your child’s own sessions here — whichever fits best for you.
Sessions are built around you — what’s actually happening, what you’ve already tried, and what would genuinely help you right now.
Sometimes that’s practical: how to respond when things escalate, how to get two parents onto the same page, and how to talk to a child about something hard without over-explaining it or under-explaining it.
Sometimes it’s simply somewhere to say the things you can’t say to your child, your partner, or even your closest friends without it changing how they see your family. You can come alone, with your partner, or alongside your child’s own sessions here — whichever fits best for you.
A steadier hand
This isn’t about becoming a different kind of parent, or the parent you think you should be. It’s about steadier ground with the parts that are genuinely hard, and thinking more clearly about the decisions you’re making. Sessions might weave in something practical to try, or bring a clearer sense of what’s going on and why — whatever helps you most. Some come for a handful of sessions around one rough patch; others check in for longer, especially while something bigger is being worked through. We review honestly with you as we go, including when an approach isn’t working and needs to change.
This isn’t about becoming a different kind of parent, or the parent you think you should be. It’s about steadier ground with the parts that are genuinely hard, and thinking more clearly about the decisions you’re making.
Sessions might weave in something practical to try, or bring a clearer sense of what’s going on and why — whatever helps you most. Some come for a handful of sessions around one rough patch; others check in for longer, especially while something bigger is being worked through.
We review honestly with you as we go, including when an approach isn’t working and needs to change.
How We Help You
Reach out for a confidential chat to share your concerns, ask questions, and discover how our tailored parent counselling can support your family.
We meet to explore your family dynamics, identify key pressure points, and build a clear, compassionate roadmap for positive behavioural changes.
Schedule your sessions, gain practical therapeutic strategies, and move forward with the confidence and tools needed to nurture your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral before booking?
No. You can contact us and book directly.
Medicare rebates for parent-focused sessions depend on how the appointment is structured under your child’s care — it’s worth asking us directly rather than assuming either way, and we’ll be clear with you before you commit to anything.
Is this the same as therapy for my child?
No. Your child doesn’t need to be involved at all if you’d rather they weren’t. This is support for you as a parent — some families combine it with their child’s own sessions here, and some use it entirely on its own.
Does my child need a diagnosis, or already be seeing someone here?
Not at all. Plenty of parents come to us with no formal diagnosis anywhere in the picture yet, just a child going through something hard and a parent who wants somewhere to think it through.
Can both parents come, even if we don't agree on how to handle things?
Yes, and disagreement between parents is one of the most common reasons families get in touch. You don’t need to agree before booking — working out where you’re both coming from is often exactly the work.
We're separated. Can we both be involved?
Yes, where that suits your family. Separated parents raising a child through something hard face a particular kind of pressure, and we’re happy to see you separately or together, whichever works better for you.
What if I just need someone to talk to, not a whole program?
That’s a completely valid reason to come. Not every session needs a goal beyond being heard by someone who understands what you’re dealing with.
Will you tell me I'm doing something wrong?
No. Parenting a child through something hard rarely comes with a rulebook, and blame isn’t useful to anyone in the room. We’re interested in what’s happening and what might help, not in scoring your parenting.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes. Many parents prefer telehealth for these sessions — it fits more easily around work and other children, and the conversation doesn’t need any equipment or activities.
Do you work with NDIS participants?
Yes, where parent support is part of your child’s plan. We see families whose plans are self-managed or plan-managed, and we can invoice your plan manager directly.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some parents come for a short, focused block around one particular issue; others prefer an ongoing space to check in as things change. We’ll review with you as we go rather than committing you to a set number upfront.
How soon could we be seen?
Get in touch, and we’ll tell you what’s actually available rather than a general answer. Availability moves through the year, so it’s always worth asking.
Let's start the Conversation
- For urgent support, please contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. This form isn't monitored 24/7.
- Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula
- Telehealth Available Australia-Wide
- 1300 233 211
- Send us a message via form
