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Helping Children Feel Safe, Seen, and Confident in Who They Are​

 

When children struggle with anxiety, big emotions, friendships, school challenges or life changes, it can be hard to know how best to help, especially when nothing quite gets to the root of it.

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At Evolving Minds Therapy, I provide evidence-based counselling and play therapy that helps children feel calmer in their body, understand themselves more clearly, and build the confidence to navigate life's challenges.

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Big emotions and behaviours are often a child's way of communicating something they can't yet put into words. Rather than trying to manage or correct them, we work to understand what's happening underneath, and support your child in a way that fits who they are, not whom we expect them to be.

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Play is often the most natural way for a child to process what they're going through, and the relationship we build together is at the heart of that. Together, we'll help your child feel safe enough — in their body and in their relationships — to grow, connect and thrive.

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Supporting children, adolescents and families in Canberra.

Sometimes Behaviour is The Tip of the Iceberg

​Big emotions, anxiety, meltdowns, withdrawal, perfectionism, school refusal or friendship difficulties can all be signs that something deeper is happening. Children often communicate through their behaviour long before they can put their feelings into words.

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At Evolving Minds Therapy, I help children and families understand what's beneath these challenges, strengthen emotional wellbeing, and build the resilience needed to thrive. Using evidence-based counselling and play therapy, I create a safe, supportive space where children can better understand themselves, develop new skills, and feel more secure in who they are.

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Is Your Child Experiencing...

  • Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts?

  • Anxiety, worries or low confidence?

  • Difficulty expressing their feelings?

  • Challenges with relationships?

  • School-related stress or overwhelm?

  • The effects of trauma, grief or major life changes?

  • Difficulties with self-regulation, transitions or everyday demands?

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What Therapy Looks Like

 

Children communicate differently from adults. Rather than sitting in a chair talking about their feelings, children often express themselves through play, creativity, movement, storytelling, games and relationships.​ 

 

Sessions are tailored to your child's age, developmental stage, strengths and interests. Through these experiences, children can safely explore emotions, process difficult experiences, and build the skills and confidence to cope in ways that feel natural and meaningful to them.

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What Makes Evolving Minds Different?

 

I bring together more than 20 years of experience across education, child development, counselling and therapeutic practice, including:

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  • ACA Registered Counsellor

  • Postgraduate studies in Play Therapy

  • Postgraduate studies in Special Needs Education

  • Bachelor of Teaching

  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

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Having worked in classrooms, early childhood settings, special education and therapeutic environments, I understand children's development from multiple perspectives. This means I can support not only the child sitting in front of me, but also work alongside parents, teachers and other professionals to create consistent support across home, school and therapy.

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A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

 

Every child has their own way of experiencing and making sense of the world, and these differences deserve understanding, respect and support. Children do not need to be changed to belong.

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Whether your child is neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, PDA, etc), highly sensitive, or simply navigating a difficult stage of life, therapy isn't there to make them more "typical",  it's a space where they can feel accepted, understood and valued for who they are, while getting support for whatever they're finding hard right now, whether that's anxiety, big emotions, or something else going on.

 

My practice is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed care that honours each child's individual strengths, needs and way of experiencing the world.

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Why Relationships Matter?

 

Research consistently shows that children learn, grow and heal through safe, supportive relationships.

Before children can manage big emotions, navigate challenges or develop new skills, they first need to feel emotionally safe and understood. Creating that sense of safety is at the heart of every therapy session.

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Supporting Parents Too

 

Parents know their children better than anyone. You are an essential part of the therapeutic process.​ Alongside supporting your child, I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to better understand behaviour, strengthen connection, and develop practical strategies that support emotional wellbeing at home.

 

Together, we build a deeper understanding of your child's needs and develop practical ways to support them at home and in everyday life.

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Imagine If...

Your child could:​​

  • Understand and express their emotions more confidently

  • Recover more quickly after difficult moments

  • Feel safer and more secure in relationships

  • Develop stronger friendships

  • Build confidence in who they are

  • Feel more connected at home and school

  • Navigate challenges with greater resilience

 

These are the foundations that help children thrive, and the outcomes therapy seeks to support over time.

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Every Child Deserves To Be Understood

 

Seeking support for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to start. You don't have to navigate it alone. If you're concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships or ability to cope with life's challenges, I'd be happy to talk through your concerns and explore whether therapy may be helpful. Together, we can create a path forward that supports your child's unique strengths, needs and wellbeing.

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