Do I need a GP referral or mental health care plan?

No — you can engage with our teen counselling directly. However, if your child already has a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, we can coordinate so you may access Medicare rebates.

How many sessions will my teen need?

There is no fixed number. Many start with 3–5 sessions to build rapport, evaluate needs and gain tools. For deeper or layered issues, more sessions may be needed.

What if my teen doesn’t want to come or “talk”?

That’s okay. Resistance or hesitation is normal. We start gently, focusing on trust, small steps and optional creative or nonverbal modalities until your teen feels more comfortable.

Is counselling confidential for minors?

Yes, except in serious risk situations (e.g. suicide risk, harm to others, abuse). We explain confidentiality clearly at the start and maintain safe boundaries.

Will I be involved in my teen's therapy sessions?

When necessary, yes. You might have parent or check-in sessions, or occasional joint meetings. However, your teen's autonomy remains central to the process.

Can we use NDIS funding for your services?

Yes, we accept NDIS funding. We work closely with families and NDIS plan managers to support your emotional and psychosocial goals.

What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?

Counsellors focus on talk-based support, coping strategies and growth without necessarily diagnosing. Psychologists have training to assess, diagnose (where needed) and use clinical interventions. We collaborate with psychologists as needed.

Teen Counselling in Perth

Supporting teens. Empowering families. Building hope.

Adolescence brings change, challenge and growth.

At Discovery Family Therapy, we provide a compassionate, safe and evidence-based counselling service tailored for Perth teens (and their families).

We aim to alleviate anxiety, restore self-confidence, and foster emotional resilience by working closely with both the young person and their support network.

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What We Help Teens With

Our teen counselling services address a wide range of issues, including:

Anxiety, worry, panic
Depression, low mood, hopelessness
School stress, exam pressure, academic overwhelm
Bullying (in person & online), social isolation
Self-esteem, body image, identity, self-worth
Emotional dysregulation, anger, and frustration
Family conflict, communication problems
Grief, loss, trauma
Gender, sexuality, and identity
Neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD)
Motivation, procrastination, self-sabotage
Coping with life transitions (moving, change, separation)

We don’t treat “labels”, we work with each teen’s unique story, needs and strengths.

How We Work: Our Approach

We believe in a collaborative, strength-based and flexible approach. Key elements include:

Warm, client-centred engagement
We prioritise connection, trust and safety so teens feel heard, respected and free to share.
Evidence-informed techniques
We draw from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, expressive or art-based techniques, mindfulness, narrative, motivational interviewing and more.
Goal setting & regular review
From the start, we’ll clarify what your teen hopes to gain (less anxiety, better coping skills, improved relationships) and frequently revisit progress.
Respect for pace & autonomy
We let the teen guide how far and fast they go, while gently encouraging growth and change.
Flexible format
Sessions may include talking, creative expression, role play or other age-appropriate methods. We also offer telehealth where needed, across WA.

Confidentiality & Parent Involvement

Confidentiality is fundamental. What’s shared in sessions is private — except in rare cases of safety risk (e.g. intent to self-harm, harm to others).

However, we also recognise that parents and caregivers play a crucial role. Where helpful and with consent, we:

Provide parent support or check-in sessions to help you understand your teen’s emotional world
Facilitate shared sessions (teen + parent(s)) to improve communication, boundaries and trust
Offer guidance on how to support your teen at home without undermining their agency

Our goal is to strike the right balance: safety, openness and respect.

Creating a Holistic Care Team

We believe teens benefit most when their support systems are integrated. We actively collaborate with your teen’s existing professionals to form a unified “care team.” This may include:

School counsellors, psychologists or teachers
GPs, paediatricians or family doctors
Psychiatrists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists
Allied health professionals (e.g. dietitians, physiotherapists)
NDIS support coordinators, case managers

Through clear communication (with consent), shared goals and consistency across services, we ensure your teen receives coordinated support — not fragmentation.

NDIS & Funding Options

We are experienced in providing services that align with NDIS funding plans, where applicable. If your teen has NDIS support, we can:

Assist with goal setting linked to emotional and social well-being
Provide therapy that may be claimable under capacity-building supports
Liaise with your plan manager or support coordinator
Help you understand how counselling fits into your teen’s NDIS plan

Session Length, Frequency & Cost

Sessions typically run for 50 to 60 minutes
Frequency is flexible: weekly, fortnightly or as needed
Some teens notice a change in a few sessions; others benefit from longer engagement
We offer transparent pricing

Why Early Intervention Matters

Adolescence is a pivotal time. When emotional issues are addressed early:

Teens are better equipped to handle life stress
Patterns of negative thinking or avoidance can be disrupted
Relationships with family, school and peers can improve
Long-term mental health challenges may be mitigated

We’re here to walk beside you and your child, not just in crisis, but before things escalate.

Gender Identity Counselling

Gender identity counselling for trans, non-binary or questioning teens provides a safe, judgement free space for them to explore and express themselves, helping them live as their most authentic self. When we don't know who we are, we constantly battle our own wants and needs and how others think we should look or behave. This can lead to feeling isolated, depressed and anxious. Working with a counsellor who specialises in gender support, we can:

Discuss their thoughts, feelings, worries, and fears.
Develop coping strategies for stressful situations like discrimination.
Learn communication skills for navigating difficult conversations with family, friends, teachers and peers.
Offer support with ‘coming out’, transitioning, and with medical interventions, should they choose that route.
A safe space to explore private things like relationship problems, body worries, and non-gender-related issues.

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Specialist Teen Counsellors

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Nadia Kidgell

Family Counsellor

For the past five years, I’ve worked with children and families navigating complex challenges including neurodivergence, trauma, self-harm, bullying, gender identity, co-parenting, and family and domestic violence.

Zaynab

Zaynab Al-Fahrany

Children & Teens Counsellor

With a background in psychology and postgraduate training in counselling, Zaynab integrates scientific understanding with effective therapeutic strategies to promote emotional growth and long-term wellbeing.

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South Perth

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