Counselling for adolescents:
Using Creative Therapy
Express what is important to you, whichever way you like.
Being a teenager can feel intense. Thoughts can get loud, emotions can swing quickly, and it’s not always easy to explain what’s happening inside.
ROOM TO BE offers a confidential, supportive space where you can slow things down, feel understood, and work through what matters to you.
You don’t need to be in crisis to come to counselling. Teens come for many different reasons, including:
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Anxiety, worry, or panic
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Low mood or feeling flat
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Strong emotions or feeling overwhelmed
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School stress, motivation, or pressure
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Friendships, family conflict, or social challenges
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Identity, confidence, or self‑esteem
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Changes, loss, or difficult life events
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Feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure about the future
Some teens may also be navigating neurodiversity, such as ADHD or autism, which can affect focus, emotional regulation, sensory experiences, social interactions, or how school feels day to day.
Sometimes it’s one clear issue. Other times it’s just a sense that something isn’t quite right. Both are valid reasons to come.
How counselling works here
Counselling isn’t about being judged, analysed, or told what to do. It’s about working together to understand what’s happening and finding ways forward that fit you.
Sessions are guided by your needs and your pace. We might:
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Talk things through
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Use creative activities like drawing, painting, selecting images, using plasticine or writing
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Explore body‑based awareness and grounding
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Learn practical tools for handling difficult thoughts or emotions
Creative Art Therapy is woven seamlessly into sessions to support your way of expressing, reflecting, growing and being.
There’s no pressure to talk about anything before you’re ready or do any activity you do not want to do. You stay in control of what we do and explore.
Does my parent or carer come in with me?
No, the counselling sessions are just for you. Normally your parent or carer would already have had an intake session with the counsellor, so some information has been passed on. However, what is talked about and done in session is up to you.
Do you tell my parents or carer what we talk about?
Anything spoken about is confidential, with a couple of exceptions:
- If the counsellor feels you or someone else is not safe.
- The notes are sub peonad by a lawyer.
This will be explained more in your first session.
Information for parents & carers
Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting adolescents, and are invited to have an initial intake session without the adolescent present. This can be beneficial to provide important background information or to seek clarity around the process. However, it is not compulsory as some adolescents are more independent and may not need a parent or carer involved much at all.
After this, all counselling sessions are with the counsellor and adolescent only. Information will only be shared if there are safety concerns, or if relevant and with permission from the adolescent. It is important that the adolescent knows it is confidential as this helps them share more freely.
If you’re unsure whether counselling is right for your teenager, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss options and ask questions.
Session info
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For ages 13-18
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All sessions are 50 minutes in length and are in-person in Newcastle East, or online Australia wide via Zoom.
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The fee is $143 (includes GST).
Getting started
If you’re a teenager looking for support, or a parent considering counselling for your teen, you’re very welcome to reach out. You don’t need a referral from a GP or other health professional to get started.
You can:
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Complete the intake form
For the adolescent or carer to fill out.
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Book a free inquiry phone call
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Book an appointment
Either a carer intake session or adolescent initial consultation.