Counselling for Children and Adolescents
The Happy Lady — psychology support that kids and teens can actually use
Children and young people do not always want to sit still and “talk about their feelings.” At Alegna Solutions, child and adolescent counselling is practical, warm and often fun. Many younger clients know me as the Happy Lady — not because serious problems are ignored, but because sessions feel safe enough to be lively, creative and hopeful.
Play, drawing, stories, movement and straightforward conversation are used in ways that fit the child’s age. Teens are treated with respect, not as mini-adults and not as “problems to be fixed.” The aim is that they leave feeling understood, a little lighter, and clearer about what they can do next.
Best results when the young person is willing
Counselling works best when the child or teenager wants to be there, or at least agrees to give it a fair go.
Parents often book because they are worried — school refusal, anxiety, big feelings, friendship trouble, family change, anger, low mood or behaviour that has become hard to manage. That concern is valid. What makes the work effective is the young person’s own consent.
If a child is brought along only under pressure, they may sit in the room and say little. If they choose to come, even uncertainly, trust builds faster and change is more likely to stick.
Before we start, we talk with parents or carers about:
- what is happening at home and at school
- what the young person already knows about coming
- how to invite them in, rather than march them in
We do not force a child to talk. We do make the room interesting enough that most decide it is worth staying.
How sessions feel
For younger children, sessions are active. Games, drawing, role-play and humour help them show what words cannot. For adolescents, the tone is still human and often lighter than they expect — honest, boundaried, and not a lecture.
Parents remain part of the picture. You will usually receive guidance on how to support change at home, without the session becoming a report-card on your child.
What we can help with
- worry, fears and anxiety
- low mood, withdrawal or loss of spark
- big emotions, anger and meltdowns
- friendship and school stress
- family change, separation or grief
- confidence, identity and “who am I?” questions
- adjustment after illness, injury or a hard year
A note for parents
You do not have to wait until things are at breaking point. Early support is easier than crisis support. If your child is unsure, say:
“This is someone who helps kids with tricky feelings. She’s known as the Happy Lady. You don’t have to tell her everything. You only have to come and see if it feels okay.”
That is often enough.
Counselling is available in person on the Gold Coast and, where suitable, by telehealth. Appointments for children and adolescents need a parent or guardian involved in the booking.
Call (07) 5596 9090 to talk through whether this is the right fit.