What will the counsellor tell me about my child's sessions?

It depends on your child's age. If your child is 12 or under, you'll meet the counsellor first, then come back for regular check-ins where the counsellor shares how counselling is going, the themes your child is working on and how you can help at home. If your teen is 13 to 17, the counsellor shares what your teen agrees to share, and a parent or family appointment only happens if your teen asks for one. Whatever your child's age, we hold child safety in high regard and connect with appropriate adults if we believe someone's safety is at risk.

At a glance

What will the counsellor share with me?

Children aged 12 and under

• The first session: You meet the counsellor before your child does. It's a chance to share your child's history, strengths and what's been happening, and to hear how counselling will work.
• Regular check-ins: The counsellor talks with you about how counselling is going, the themes your child is exploring and the progress they're making.
• Ways to help at home: Check-ins focus on practical strategies you can use to support your child between sessions.

Teenagers aged 13 to 17

• Your teen decides: The counsellor shares information with you if your teen has requested it.
• Parent or family appointments: There are no routine parent check-ins. If your teen asks for a parent appointment, or a family appointment with you, and agrees to the counsellor contacting you, the counsellor can arrange it.
• In their own words: Your teen is free to tell you about counselling whenever they're ready.

Why does my teen's consent matter so much?

We know how much you care about your teen. When they're going through something stressful, not knowing what's happening can feel hard, and wanting to help is a natural part of loving them.

We hold your teen's consent in high regard because it protects the trust that helps them through this.

• Trust: Teens are more willing to talk openly, and to keep coming back, when they know their words stay private.
• Confidence: Choosing what to share helps your teen build confidence in looking after their own wellbeing.
• Connection: Feeling respected can make it easier for your teen to invite the people they trust into the conversation, including you.

Your teen's consent isn't about keeping you out. It's about supporting them to reach the point where they feel ready to let you in.

What does the counsellor keep private?

Your child's own words. Children and teens open up when they trust that what they say won't be repeated, and that trust is what allows counselling to work. So the counsellor shares themes and strategies with you, not the details of what your child said.

What happens if someone's safety is at risk?

• Safety: If someone is at risk of serious harm, the counsellor can share information with approved and previously identified individuals.
• The law: Information can also be shared when the law requires it, including with the appropriate authorities under mandatory reporting guidelines.
• Only what's needed: Not everything is shared, only the information needed to restore safety.
• Keeping you both informed: Where it's safe to do so, both your child and you are told when information needs to be shared.

What if my child shares something upsetting while I'm in the room?

Sometimes a child or teen shares something painful when a parent joins a session. Hearing it can be overwhelming. How you respond in that moment helps your child feel safe, and the counsellor is there to support you both.

In the moment

• Stay as calm as you can: Your child is watching how you react. A steady response tells them they were right to speak up.
• Listen and believe them: Let them share at their own pace, without interrupting or asking for details.
• Thank them for telling you: Let them know they've done the right thing, and that it isn't their fault.
• Let the counsellor guide what happens next: You don't need to have the answers. The counsellor will help with next steps, including keeping everyone safe.

In the days that follow

• Keep routines steady: Familiar routines help your child feel secure.
• Follow their lead: Let them know you're there to talk, without pressing them to repeat what they shared.
• Look after yourself: Hearing something difficult about your child is hard. Our Parent Support service is there for you, too.

How can I get the most from check-ins?

• Bring your observations: Changes in sleep, school, friendships or mood help the counsellor see the bigger picture.
• Ask about strategies: "What can I try at home?" is one of the most useful questions you can ask.
• Share what's working: Small wins help shape the next steps.
• Between check-ins: Contact us if something important comes up.
• Parents of teens: Parent Support gives you a similar space to talk through strategies, while your teen's sessions stay private.

Will the counsellor write a report?

No. The counsellor doesn't write update reports, custody recommendations or reports for court, so their focus stays on your child. If records are needed for a legal matter, they're released through a subpoena.

This page is general information only and isn't legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak with a family lawyer.