Youth Counselling Brisbane | Brisbane Livewell Clinic

Last Updated on 11 October 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic

Youth Counselling Brisbane at Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers crucial support to young people dealing with the challenges of adolescence, family, school, work, and life in general. Our dedicated Youth Counsellor, Mel Blair, helps teenagers navigate mental health, emotional, and social difficulties, and a whole lot more. With qualifications in Youth, Child, and Family Counselling, along with training in trauma-informed care and Animal-Assisted Therapy, Mel’s no-nonsense approach and caring attitude provide a safe place for her patients to receive support.

Key Takeaways

Tailored Mental Health Support: Mel works with young people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioural challenges, plus lots more.
Experienced Youth Counsellor: Mel holds a Graduate Diploma in Youth, Child, and Family Counselling, along with additional training in art therapy, mindfulness and animal-assisted therapy.
Safe and Collaborative Environment: Sessions at Brisbane Livewell Clinic provide a safe, supportive environment where teenagers and young people can explore their emotions, express themselves, and build emotional resilience.

What is Youth Counselling?

Youth Counselling is a therapeutic service aimed at addressing the mental health needs of young people aged 10 to 25. Adolescence is a crucial time for mental and emotional development, and many young people experience difficulties such as anxiety, depression, social pressure, and trauma. At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our approach to Youth Counselling is tailored to the individual’s needs, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time.

Common Issues Addressed in Youth Counselling Brisbane

Mel Blair supports young people across a wide range of issues, including:

Anxiety: Helping young people manage generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and panic attacks through mindfulness and evidence-based techniques.
Depression: Addressing feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, and isolation. Mel works with young people to develop coping strategies that improve their emotional well-being.
ADHD and Autism Support: Mel provides support to neurodivergent youth by helping them navigate their unique challenges in school and social settings.
Trauma Recovery: Mel uses trauma-informed care to help young people process traumatic experiences and rebuild their sense of safety and security.
Bullying and Peer Pressure: Assisting adolescents in building confidence and resilience to handle the pressures of bullying and social dynamics.

How Does Youth Counselling Work at Brisbane Livewell Clinic?

At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, our Youth Counselling services are structured around the unique needs of each individual. Mel begins with an initial consultation where the young person and their family outline the challenges they are facing. Following this, Mel develops a tailored therapeutic plan using a combination of play-based therapy, mindfulness, and traditional Counselling techniques. This ensures that young people feel comfortable and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

Initial Consultation

The first session usually involves a discussion with parents or guardians to set the therapeutic goals. This is followed by one-on-one sessions with the young person, allowing Mel to build rapport and understand their individual needs.

Ongoing Counselling Sessions

Regular 50-minute Counselling sessions are held weekly or fortnightly, based on the needs of the young person. Mel uses various therapeutic modalities, including art therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, improving communication, and developing coping strategies.

Telehealth

To ensure accessibility, Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers both in-person and Telehealth sessions. This allows young people across Brisbane, including those in remote areas, to access professional Youth Counselling services without barriers, both in Brisbane and around Australia.

Why Choose Brisbane Livewell Clinic?

Mel brings a wealth of experience to Brisbane Livewell Clinic, having worked extensively with young people in a variety of settings. She is dedicated to providing youth with the tools they need to overcome challenges and thrive. Her background in trauma-informed care, mental health first aid, and family Counselling ensures that each young person receives compassionate and effective support.

Our Youth Counselling Brisbane Services

Our services include:

Animal-Assisted Therapy: Mel works with Gypsy, a loving Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, to support her patient in a safe space with a dog to focus on while talking about hard stuff and emotions.
Art Therapy: Art therapy helps young people express emotions they might struggle to verbalise, providing a creative outlet for healing.
Mindfulness and Yoga: These practices help young people develop emotional regulation and reduce anxiety through mindfulness exercises.
Family Counselling: Mel works closely with parents and families to ensure a holistic approach to care. Family Counselling sessions can help improve communication and resolve conflicts.

Mental Health Challenges Faced by Young People

Youth mental health is an area that requires careful attention and early intervention. Adolescents are at a critical stage of development, and they often face multiple challenges, from academic pressures to social anxieties. Mel’s expertise in working with both neurotypical and neurodivergent youth allows her to provide tailored support across a range of mental health issues.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health issues affecting young people today. Symptoms of anxiety include constant worry, sleep problems, and physical symptoms like headaches. Depression may manifest as withdrawal, sadness, and a lack of interest in daily activities. Mel helps young people develop coping strategies to manage these conditions, improving their emotional health and well-being.

ADHD and Autism

Mel provides support for young people with ADHD and autism, helping them navigate challenges related to attention, hyperactivity, and social interaction. Counselling can improve their emotional regulation and provide strategies for success in both academic and social settings.

Bullying and Social Pressures

Bullying is a significant issue for many young people, and the emotional impact can be severe. Mel helps build resilience and offers strategies to manage social pressures and navigate complex peer relationships.

The Role of Parents and Schools in Youth Counselling

Collaboration between Counsellors, parents, and schools is vital to the success of Youth Counselling. At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, Mel involves parents in the Counselling process, ensuring they have the tools to support their child’s mental health at home. Additionally, she works closely with schools to align therapeutic strategies with the young person’s educational goals, providing a cohesive approach to their care.

Accessibility of Our Youth Counselling Brisbane Services

At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we are committed to making mental health care accessible to all families. Our services are available via NDIS funding, Mental Health Care Plans through Medicare, and private health insurance. Telehealth options ensure that our Youth Counselling in Brisbane is accessible even to those who cannot attend in person.

FAQs about Youth Counselling at Brisbane Livewell Clinic

1. What is Youth Counselling?

Youth Counselling is a therapeutic service designed to help young people manage emotional, mental, and behavioural challenges. It involves working with a qualified Youth Counsellor to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioural concerns. Sessions are tailored to the individual needs of the young person.

2. How does Youth Counselling help with anxiety and depression?

Youth Counselling provides a safe space for young people to discuss their feelings and learn strategies to manage anxiety and depression. Through techniques like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural therapy, Counsellors help adolescents develop coping mechanisms to reduce feelings of worry or sadness and improve their emotional regulation.

3. Is family involvement necessary in Youth Counselling?

Family involvement is often an essential part of Youth Counselling. Mel Blair works closely with parents and guardians to provide support at home. Family Counselling sessions can help resolve conflicts, improve communication, and create a more supportive environment for the young person.

4. Can Youth Counselling help with ADHD or autism?

Youth Counselling can be highly beneficial for young people with ADHD or autism. Mel provides tailored support to help neurodivergent youth manage challenges related to attention, hyperactivity, and social interactions. Strategies for emotional regulation and coping are part of the process to improve both academic and social outcomes.

5. What can I expect from the first Counselling session?

The first session usually involves an initial consultation with the parents or guardians, where concerns are discussed, and therapeutic goals are set. Following this, Mel will begin individual sessions with the young person, using approaches such as play-based therapy, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy.

6. How long does each Youth Counselling session last?

Each session typically lasts 50 minutes. Sessions are held weekly or fortnightly depending on the needs of the young person. Regular attendance helps ensure steady progress towards therapeutic goals.

7. Is Youth Counselling covered by NDIS or Medicare?

Youth Counselling services at Brisbane Livewell Clinic are accessible through NDIS (for self-managed or plan-managed participants) and Medicare rebates under Mental Health Care Plans. Private health insurance may also cover some or all of the costs.

8. Can I access Youth Counselling via Telehealth?

Brisbane Livewell Clinic offers Telehealth options for Youth Counselling, allowing young people to access support remotely. This service is particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or those unable to attend in person.

9. What are the benefits of early intervention in Youth Counselling?

Early intervention helps prevent minor emotional or behavioural challenges from becoming more serious. Addressing issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma early allows young people to develop coping strategies and emotional resilience before these challenges impact their long-term well-being.

10. Does Brisbane Livewell Clinic offer art therapy for young people?

Art therapy is one of the therapeutic modalities offered by Mel at Brisbane Livewell Clinic. It helps young people express their emotions creatively, particularly for those who may find it difficult to articulate their feelings verbally.

11. How can I book a Youth Counselling session at Brisbane Livewell Clinic?

You can book a session by contacting Brisbane Livewell Clinic directly via phone on (07) 3861 5881 or online. Mel Blair is available for both in-person and Telehealth sessions to ensure that every young person gets the support they need.