Children's and Teen Counsellor
B.A. Psychology, Curtin University
Australian Counselling Association, Level 1: S87616
Child and Teen Counselling
Zaynab supports children and teenagers when anxiety, big emotions, school or friendship difficulties, low confidence, body image concerns, identity questions or changes within the family are affecting everyday life.
Her warm, developmentally appropriate approach gives younger children ways to communicate through play and creativity, while offering teenagers a respectful space to talk, reflect and build trust at their own pace.
With a background in psychology and experience within child protection, Zaynab considers the young person's relationships, family life, environment and experiences, not simply the behaviour other people can see.
Zaynab's Clinical Focus
Support for children and teenagers experiencing persistent worry, separation anxiety, emotional overwhelm, anger, shutdowns or difficulty recovering after strong emotions.
Support when school pressure, friendship difficulties, bullying, social uncertainty or fear of not fitting in is affecting confidence and wellbeing.
A non-shaming space to explore confidence, self-worth, body image and food-related worries without placing blame on the young person or family.
Respectful support for young people exploring identity, gender, self-expression, relationships and where they feel they belong.
Support for children and teenagers adjusting to separation, changing family relationships, conflict, grief or uncertainty about what comes next.
Trauma-informed support for young people affected by family violence, disrupted relationships or experiences that have made safety and trust more difficult.
Support that considers ADHD, autism, AuDHD, sensory needs, emotional regulation, social experiences and the pressure of navigating environments that are not built to fit the young person.
Zaynab is likely to be a good fit if:
Zaynab takes time to understand what could be sitting beneath the difficulty. Her focus is not on labelling the child as the problem, but on helping the young person and family develop a clearer understanding of what they need.
Getting Started
The first appointment is usually parent-only. This gives you space to explain what has been happening, provide relevant family and developmental information and discuss what you hope will change.
Zaynab can then recommend the most appropriate way to begin working with your child.
Teenagers work directly with Zaynab from the first appointment, without parent sessions or parent check-ins, so they have a confidential space of their own.
Zaynab discusses confidentiality with your teenager at the start, so everyone understands what is shared and what stays private.
Credentials and Approaches
Approach
Fees and Appointments
Who Zaynab works with
Children (5+ years), adolescents, parents and families.
Before You Join
Zaynab is currently fully booked. Add your details to her waitlist and we will be in touch as soon as a place becomes available.
For children aged 13 and under, the first appointment is usually parent-only, so Zaynab can understand what has been happening before meeting your child. Teenagers work directly with Zaynab, without parent sessions or parent check-ins, so they have a confidential space of their own.
Yes, and it happens often. One counsellor can work with a parent while another works with a child, or two children can each have their own counsellor. When more than one of our counsellors is involved, one of them holds the role of lead counsellor. They keep the overall picture of what your family is working towards, so the support stays joined up rather than running in separate directions. Families tell us it helps to know who that person is.
Zaynab does not offer Medicare or private health rebates. A referral is not required to join her waitlist.
Self-managed and plan-managed participants can use eligible NDIS funding. Discovery Family Therapy is not a registered NDIS provider.
A Little More About Zaynab
My work with the Department of Communities, Child Protection, continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of my career. It shapes how I understand a young person's safety, relationships and environment, and that understanding carries into every counselling session.
My child protection background shapes how I understand safety, trust and resilience, and what children need when life has felt uncertain. I work in a play-based, developmentally sensitive way that helps young people feel understood while giving parents clearer ways to respond at home.
I have a soft spot for organisation. A well-written to-do list and the satisfaction of ticking things off are oddly calming.
Request an appointment
Zaynab is currently fully booked. Add your details to her waitlist and we will be in touch as soon as a place becomes available.
For children aged 13 and under, the first appointment is usually with a parent or carer, so Zaynab can understand what has been happening. Teenagers work directly with Zaynab.
Available in South Perth and online across Australia.
Would you prefer to start sooner? Meet the rest of our team to find a counsellor with current availability.
