Why Does a Parent Attend the First Child Counselling Appointment?
At Best Life Therapy & Mediation, counselling for children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 begins with a parent or caregiver consultation.
For many parents, this raises an understandable question: why does the first appointment happen without the child?
The initial consultation gives you an opportunity to explain what has been happening, provide relevant background information and discuss your concerns before counselling with your child or adolescent begins.
What happens during the parent consultation?
The appointment gives you time to talk privately with the practitioner about the concerns that have led you to seek support.
This may include information about what has been happening at home, at school, within relationships or following changes within the family.
You do not need to have everything worked out before the appointment. The consultation provides an opportunity to give the practitioner context and discuss what the next step may look like.
Why is this appointment important?
Understanding the wider context gives the practitioner an opportunity to learn more about what the young person has been experiencing before counselling begins.
It also allows parents and caregivers to raise information that may be difficult or inappropriate to discuss in front of the child.
What information should I bring?
If you already have relevant information, you are welcome to provide it to the practice.
This may include:
GP referrals
GP care plans
Allied health reports
Relevant physical health reports
Relevant psychological reports
Other information relevant to your child’s care
You do not need to obtain these documents specifically for the first consultation if you do not already have them.
A GP care plan is required if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for appointments with Charity.
Can the parent consultation be online?
Yes.
Parent and caregiver consultations can be held face-to-face at the Leeming practice or by telehealth.
For counselling appointments with children and adolescents themselves, face-to-face sessions are generally preferred where appropriate.
Does my child attend the first appointment?
The initial parent or caregiver consultation takes place before counselling begins with the child or adolescent.
After this consultation, the practitioner can discuss the next steps with you.
What ages does Best Life support?
Best Life Therapy & Mediation provides child and adolescent counselling for young people aged 5 to 17 years.
What if I’m not sure who to book with?
You do not need to choose a practitioner without guidance.
Visit the Find the Right Service page to view the current pathways, or explore the Team page to learn more about the practitioners.
You can also contact the practice if you are unsure where to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does child counselling start with a parent consultation?
It allows the parent or caregiver to explain their concerns, provide relevant background information and discuss what support may be appropriate before counselling begins with the child.
Can the first parent consultation be by telehealth?
Yes. Parent and caregiver consultations can be held face-to-face or by telehealth.
Does my child need a GP referral?
A referral is not generally required to begin the process.
A GP care plan is required if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for appointments with Charity.
What ages can access child and adolescent counselling?
Best Life provides child and adolescent counselling for children and young people aged 5 to 17.