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Counselling for Children and Young People
At Positive Solutions we are able to support children and young people through our youth focused counselling service. Positive Solutions is committed to ensuring children and young people having their voice heard. We provide a safe and confidential space to address a wide range of problems. These can include behavioural, social and emotional issues experienced by children, young people and their families. Positive Solutions aims to promote wellbeing from early childhood through to adolescence and teenage years.
Our staff are trained to provide counselling which is age, developmental and situationally appropriate for the child or young person. We provide counselling to children from the age of 3.
What do I need to know about accessing counselling for my child?
When you contact Positive Solutions to engaged with counselling for a child/young person we will require contact details for both parents/guardian in order to gain consent unless there are orders in place that alter this requirement.
For further information for parents/guardians regarding our counselling for Children and Minors please see our fact sheet available here.
What is the counselling process?
Our counsellors discuss parents or guardians’ concerns and explore the factors which may be influencing the issue/s. We then work with the child or youth to assist them to develop the insight and skills required to manage the situation.
We can help children or young people with many issues.
Our counsellors are able to assist children and young people, with matters such as:
Children and young people can attend Positive Solutions from 3 years of age.
Our Staff
Our staff are qualified and experienced social workers, psychologists and counsellors. All counselling staff undertake professional supervision and on-going training to ensure a high quality of service. Counsellors who are working with children and youth have undergone specialist training in this area.
How much will it cost?
Counselling services are on a fee for service basis. Waiting times for an appointment vary according to the current level of demand and your availability. For more information on costs please contact us on 6223 5612.
Do you provide services over the phone or online?
In most instances counselling face-to-face is most effective but we know that sometimes you may not be able to visit one of our locations. To organise counselling support via phone or online please contact us.
How do I make an appointment?
You do not need a referral to access Positive Solutions. To make an appointment or to find out more information please contact us.
Positive Solutions has offices located in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.
Hobart Office: 165 Davey Street, Hobart TAS 7000
Launceston Office: 76 York Street, Launceston TAS 7250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is counselling for children?
Counselling is a safe place where children and young people can talk about their feelings and worries. The counsellor helps them understand what is happening and learn ways to cope. For younger children, this may include play, drawing, or activities as well as talking.
What ages can have counselling?
Counselling is available for children and young people from 3-18 years old. Sessions and counsellors are matched to the child’s age and level of understanding.
What can counselling help with?
Counselling can help with things like:
Building confidence
Worries and fears
Feeling sad, angry, or confused
Changes in the family
Grief or loss
School or friendship problems
Big or upsetting experiences
Do parents/guardians need to agree?
Usually, a parent or legal guardian needs to give permission before counselling starts. In some situations, a young person may be able to consent themselves if they have enough understanding of what counselling involves and the possible benefits and risks.
Do both parents/guardians need to give consent?
This depends on legal parental responsibility and any court orders or parenting arrangements in place. Many services will ask for consent from each person who has parental responsibility, unless an order or written agreement says otherwise.
If there are court orders, parenting plans, or written agreements that affect who can make decisions for your child, the service will follow those arrangements. Copies of relevant orders will be requested before sessions begin.
If only one parent has legal responsibility, or if there are safety concerns, this should be discussed with the service as early as possible.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, counselling is confidential. This means what your child shares is kept private within the service, and records are stored securely. Confidentiality helps children and young people feel safe to talk openly.
Unless legally restricted, parents are entitled to general information about their child’s engagement and progress. Detailed session content is not routinely shared, to protect the child’s privacy and therapeutic relationship.
There are times when confidentiality cannot be kept. This includes if:
Your child, or someone else, is at serious risk of harm
Abuse or neglect is suspected or disclosed and the counsellor is required to make a report
A legal requirement applies (for example, a subpoena or other lawful request)
You (and/or your child, depending on age and capacity) give consent to share information with another service
If possible, the counsellor will talk this through with you and your child before sharing information, and will only share what is needed to keep people safe or meet legal requirements.
Will parents/guardians be told what happens in sessions?
The counsellor will balance your child’s privacy with keeping you informed. This may include general updates or advice on how to support your child, rather than details of everything said in sessions.
Is there a parent intake before my child starts counselling?
Yes. In most cases, one or more parent or guardian intake sessions happen before the child’s first counselling session.
This session allows the counsellor to:
Talk about consent, confidentiality, and parent involvement
Understand your concerns and your child’s background
Gather important information about family, school, and health
Explain how counselling works and answer your questions
Why is a parent intake needed?
A parent intake helps make sure counselling is safe, appropriate, and helpful for your child. It gives the counsellor a clear picture of what support your child needs before meeting with them.
Does my child attend the parent intake?
Usually, no. The parent intake is typically for parents or guardians only. This allows you to speak openly about your concerns. The counsellor will let you know if your child should attend any part of the first session.
What if my child is a teenager?
For older adolescents, the counsellor may:
Start with a parent intake
See the young person first
Or combine parent and youth sessions
The approach depends on the young person’s age, understanding, and situation.
What if we don’t do a parent intake?
In some situations, a parent intake may be brief or combined with the first session. However, some form of parent discussion is usually required before ongoing counselling begins.
What happens in the child’s first session?
The first session helps the counsellor understand your child and what support is needed. The counsellor will also explain counselling in a way your child can understand. A parent/guardian may attend all or part of this session.
How long will counselling take?
This is different for every child. Some children need only a few sessions, while others need more. Progress is reviewed along the way. If your child is attending counselling through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the number of sessions is usually limited by that program.
What if my child does not want to come?
This is common. Counsellors work gently and at your child’s pace. If counselling does not feel right, the counsellor can talk with you about other options.
Are records kept?
Yes. Counsellors keep brief notes about sessions. These are stored securely and are only shared with your permission (and/or your child’s permission, depending on age and capacity) unless the law requires otherwise.
Can information be shared with schools or other services?
Only with your written permission (and/or your child’s permission, depending on age and capacity), unless there is a serious safety concern or the law requires information to be shared.
Please note: Positive Solutions is a counselling service and does not provide assessment, medico-legal, or court reports for clients. If needed, we may be able to provide a brief confirmation of attendance with appropriate consent.
Can we stop counselling?
Yes. Counselling is voluntary and can be stopped at any time. A final session may be suggested to help with closure or next steps.
Who provides the counselling?
Counselling is provided by trained and qualified professionals who have experience working with children and young people.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have questions or concerns, you are encouraged to contact Positive Solutions directly to discuss them.
