Services

Individual Counselling for Children and Adolescents

It is only natural to feel somewhat nervous about starting counselling, especially if you have never done so before.

It can be helpful to think about what you would like to achieve from the process ahead of your first appointment to help collaboratively set goals with your psychologist. For children, it can be beneficial to bring a toy or item of interest to their first meeting as a topic of conversation to assist in building rapport.

Initial Appointment: - in the first instance, attended by parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s) only, to provide a safe space to talk freely and openly about your concerns prior to Shannon meeting your child. This also enables her to learn about your family, your child's developmental history, their strengths and interests. The appointment provides an avenue to collaborate with Shannon to plan next steps for subsequent appointments which may include meeting with you and your child together, or perhaps with a young person alone.

Second Appointment: - as per the plan developed in the first session, this may be attended by parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s) and child, or young person only, as a way to facilitate getting to know one another, orienting you to the therapeutic space and process, and establishing goals or areas of focus.

The following sessions usually entail meeting with your child alone, then having an opportunity to share with parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s) for the last 10 minutes or so of session where applicable. Young people may prefer to have an entirely confidential session.

​Shannon tailors her approach to the needs and developmental age and stage of children and young people, so at times the above framework for sessions may vary in format.

Shannon prioritises establishing a confidential and trusting environment with children and adolescents in order to provide client-centred counselling. Please rest assured, she will inform parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s) and other parties as required should there be concerns for a child or young person's safety. Shannon aims to create a partnership between herself, client and family so that all are resourced well.

Parenting Support and Consultation

As a parent, it can be confusing and frustrating at times when trying to determine how best to navigate raising your growing child, adjusting to changes such as when new siblings arrive, co-parenting, or establishing a blended family. Shannon aims to equip parents with evidence-based knowledge that can be used to inform and tweak the expectations and culture of their family. Should you wish to meet to discuss parenting strategies in general rather than individual counselling for your children, Shannon incorporates evidence-based guidance and consultancy.

Supervision

Shannon is an AHPRA Board-Approved supervisor for provisional psychologists, psychologists, and those pursuing endorsement in educational & Developmental Psychology, working within community, education and other settings with a child, adolescent and young people population.

Assessments

Shannon has experience in cognitive, educational, and psycho-social assessments from primary school aged and secondary school-aged clients .

Proficient in documentation required for funding applications for schools, special provisions and Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) applications in VCE, Shannon can assist across your child's educational journey.

Please discuss your requirements with Shannon to determine the most appropriate pathway forward. She will provide a quote for assessment prior to commencing the process.

Individual Counselling for Young Adults

As a young adult, navigating a range of personal and professional circumstances can lead to a range of opportunities where counselling may provide a supportive space to reflect and explore. Whether it is adjusting to transitions from school to uni or work; navigating your relationships; getting support for anxiety or depression or reaching out to tweak and develop how you deal with stress, Shannon looks forward to partnering with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Contact us via email, phone or enquiry form and we will be in touch for a confidential discussion.  Alternatively, you can visit your GP and talk things through ahead of deciding about referral options.

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    Please note, if your concern is in relation to the immediate safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, please liaise with your GP, contact Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) psychiatric triage on 1300 721 927 (8am to 10pm, 7 days per week),  or proceed to the emergency department of your local hospital. 

  • You do not need a referral to see a psychologist, however if you obtain a referral you are eligible to claim via Medicare for part of your fees.  Alternatively, you can opt to claim via your private health insurance.

  • You/your child will be treated with respect, and met with curiosity, care and empathy as you work with Shannon to explore presenting concerns, learn about strategies that may assist, and may also be asked to practice some of the suggested strategies between sessions.   

  • Shannon provides psychological services under National Disability Insurance Scheme to self-managed and NDIS plan-managed clients who are billed privately and then can claim their rebate subsequent to paying for the service(s). She is not registered with NDIS so is not taking referrals for NDIA agency-managed clients.  

  • This will be dependent on the nature and extent of your child's presenting concerns.  Rest assured, part of your initial appointment is to discuss goals and establish plans for treatment, so this will be discussed then, and regularly reviewed. 

  • Sessions run for 50 minutes duration, and it is beneficial for parents to be available, either onsite or via telehealth for the last 10 minutes of the appointment so we can share next steps between sessions.

    ​Currently, Shannon is offering appointments on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and some evenings, so as to fit in with families' availability.