Child counselling in Sydney
Helping children express what they cannot always put into words.
I receive children and their families in French or English in Paddington. The work is adapted to the child’s age, needs and family situation.
01 · Getting started
The first consultation
The first meeting always takes place with one or both parents. It gives us time to discuss what is worrying you, the child’s development, family history and current context, and whether counselling is indicated. A family consultation may also be proposed when it would be useful to understand interactions and the family dynamic from a systemic perspective. We then decide together on the most suitable therapeutic format.
02 · Choosing the format
How the work may take place
Child consultation or therapy
The child is seen individually in a space adapted to their age, where talking, play, drawing and other forms of expression can be used. When therapy continues over time, a review is usually held with the parents approximately every five weeks.
Parent–child consultation
The child is seen together with one or both parents. This format is useful when the difficulty is expressed within the relationship, or when observing and supporting interactions directly can help the family.
Parent guidance consultation
One or both adults are seen without the child. Parent guidance helps them understand the child’s behaviour and emotions, reflect on family interactions and develop ways of responding that are both containing and appropriate.
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Reasons for consulting
A child may show that something is difficult in many different ways. A consultation can help make sense of what the symptom is expressing, while also considering developmental, family, school and medical factors.
Behaviour and regulation
Agitation, impulsivity, repeated outbursts, oppositional behaviour, difficulty accepting limits, conflict at home or school, or trouble regulating strong emotions.
Anxiety and insecurity
Worries may be expressed in words, but also through stomach aches, headaches, sleep difficulties, separation fears, avoidance, repeated reassurance seeking or a more general feeling of insecurity.
Separation, loss and trauma
Parental separation, bereavement, migration, illness, frightening events, family conflict or other disruptions can affect a child even when they cannot clearly explain what they are feeling.
A broader concern
Parents may simply feel that their child has changed, is struggling or is no longer quite themselves. The first consultations help clarify the situation without presuming a diagnosis.
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Why therapy with children involves play
Children do not always have the words, distance or confidence to explain directly what they are experiencing. Play is one of their most natural forms of communication. Through stories, drawings, figures and imaginary situations, a child can represent feelings and conflicts that may otherwise remain confusing or overwhelming.
Therapeutic play is not simply entertainment. In a safe and attentive relationship, it allows the child to explore experiences, try out different solutions, develop emotional language and regain a sense of agency. The therapist observes, accompanies and sometimes puts words to what is emerging, without forcing an interpretation.
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Confidentiality, safety and work with parents
The child has a confidential therapeutic space, protected by a clear professional framework that I explain to both the child and the parents. My clinical qualifications, National Police Check and Working With Children Check support safe practice. Confidentiality is not absolute when there is a serious concern about the child’s safety or another person’s safety; in that situation, I act in accordance with safeguarding obligations and discuss the necessary steps as openly as possible.
Confidentiality does not mean excluding parents from the work. In an ongoing individual therapy, I usually offer a review consultation with the parents approximately every five weeks. These meetings allow us to discuss how the child is progressing, changes observed at home or school and whether the therapeutic plan remains appropriate, while preserving the child’s private communications and trust.
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Clinical background and child safety
I trained in clinical psychology, psychopathology, early childhood and child counselling. In France, my training included work with Professor Bernard Golse, child psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. I worked in hospitals and maternity settings, including at Cochin Hospital in Paris. In Sydney, I also completed a workshop with Rosa Bologna on creative and therapeutic mediation. I hold a current National Police Check and Working With Children Check (WWCC).
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An integrative approach
My initial training was psychodynamic. I also draw on object relations theories of children’s emotional development and on selected CBT tools. This integrative approach makes it possible to adapt the work to each child rather than applying one method in every situation.
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Writing and editorial work on childhood
Alongside my clinical practice, I coordinated numerous publications and professional discussions at Le Carnet Psy on childhood anxiety, ADHD, working with parents and therapeutic mediation. I have also written about parenthood, fatherhood, medically assisted reproduction and family relationships. This work continually informs the way I listen to children and parents together.
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Selected reading
A short selection of books and articles that inform different aspects of my work with children and parents.
Talk about your child’s situation
I offer a free 15-minute telephone call so that you can briefly explain what is happening and ask any practical questions before arranging a first parent consultation.
Arrange a free 15-minute call