Does My Child Need Counselling?
As a parent, knowing when to seek help for your child is one of the hardest calls to make. You don't want to overreact — but you also don't want to miss something important. Most parents who end up here have already been sitting with a feeling that something isn't quite right, and that feeling is worth taking seriously.
This quiz is designed to help you reflect on what you've been observing — not to give you a diagnosis or make the decision for you, but to give you a clearer picture of what support might look like.
When It's Hard to Know
Children don't always have the words for what they're going through. What shows up as difficult behaviour, withdrawal, or unexplained physical symptoms is often an expression of something emotional underneath. As a parent, you're often the first to notice when something has shifted — even if you can't quite name what it is.
The challenge is that some of what children go through is a normal part of growing up, and some of it is a signal that they need more support than everyday life can provide. This quiz can help you tell the difference.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling
Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour
A child who seems consistently different — sadder, angrier, more withdrawn, or more anxious than usual over a period of weeks is worth paying attention to. One bad week is normal. A pattern that doesn't lift isn't.
Anxiety that is affecting daily life
Some worry is healthy and age-appropriate. But when anxiety is stopping your child from going to school, sleeping, seeing friends, or getting through the day, it's moved beyond what they can manage on their own.
Emotional outbursts or behaviour that's hard to manage
Increased aggression, defiance, or emotional dysregulation, particularly when it represents a change from how your child normally behaves can be a sign that something is going on beneath the surface.
Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
Children who pull back from the things that used to matter to them are often communicating distress in the only way available to them.
A significant life event or change
Family breakdown, bereavement, moving schools, bullying, or any other major disruption can be more than a child can process alone, even when they seem to be coping on the outside.
Physical symptoms without a medical cause
Recurring stomachaches, headaches, or other physical complaints that don't have a clear medical explanation are often the body's way of communicating emotional distress, particularly in younger children who lack the language to express it directly.
Does My Child Need Counselling? Our Quiz
Trudy Jacobsen
Trudy Jacobsen is a highly experienced counsellor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples with her warm, grounded and outcome-driven approach. She is available for new clients for in-person appointments in Booval, Brisbane as well as online video appointments.
https://lifesupportscounselling.com.au/counsellors/trudy-jacobsen/
- Master of Social Work
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
- Member of the AASW
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Open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 5:30pm weekends
Not Sure What Your Results Mean?
Whatever came up in the quiz, if something resonated it's worth a conversation. Getting support early is always easier than waiting — and the right counsellor can make a real difference for both your child and your family.
How Counselling Can Help Your Child
Child counselling gives young people a safe, age-appropriate space to express what they're going through with a professional who is trained to work with them at their level. It can also give you, as a parent, the tools and understanding to better support your child at home.
It may be worth reaching out if:
- Your child's difficulties have been going on for more than a few weeks
- What you're seeing is affecting their school life, friendships, or home life
- Your child has experienced something distressing and doesn't seem to be moving through it
- You've tried to talk to your child about it but feel like you're not getting through
- Your gut is telling you something isn't right
Our counsellors have extensive experience supporting people with depression, and appointments are available face-to-face, online or by phone, seven days a week.
If you’re interested in learning more about counselling or would like to organise a session, call 1300 735 030 or leave us an email via our contact page.
FAQs
Children can benefit from counselling from a young age — even primary school-aged children. Counsellors who work with younger children use age-appropriate approaches such as play therapy to help them express and process their feelings in ways that feel natural for them.
It depends on your child's age and what they're working through. For younger children, parents are often more involved. For older children and teenagers, sessions are usually one-on-one to give them the freedom to speak openly. Your counsellor will guide you on what works best.
This is very common. Reassuring your child that sessions are confidential and that what they share won't automatically be reported back to you often helps. If your child still refuses, individual parenting counselling can give you practical strategies to support them at home in the meantime.
No referral is needed. You can call us directly on 1300 735 030 or get in touch via our contact page, and we'll help you find the right counsellor for your child.