Question 1

What happens at the first appointment?

Accepted Answer

The first appointment is a parent or caregiver intake session, held without your child present. Together, we will go through the intake form and questionnaire you completed before the appointment, giving us an opportunity to explore your concerns in more detail and discuss your child’s development, strengths, current difficulties, family circumstances and relevant history. We will also discuss your goals for therapy, the approach that may best suit your child and what you can expect from the therapy process. For older adolescents, the intake process may be adjusted depending on their age and individual circumstances.

Question 2

How often will my child attend therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is generally most effective when sessions are held weekly, particularly during the early stages of treatment. Regular sessions allow your child to develop a strong therapeutic relationship and maintain momentum between appointments. As therapy progresses, session frequency may be reviewed and adjusted depending on your child's needs, progress and the type of therapy being provided.

Question 3

How are parents involved in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Parents and caregivers are an important part of the therapeutic process. The level of involvement will vary depending on your child's age, the therapy approach and their individual needs. For children attending Play Therapy or Pre-Teen/Teen Counselling, parent feedback sessions are generally held every four weeks to review progress, discuss concerns and consider ways you can support your child outside therapy. Some therapies, such as TF-CBT, involve caregivers more actively throughout treatment and include individual caregiver sessions as well as joint parent-child work.

Question 4

Will you tell me what my child talks about in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Children and young people need to feel that therapy is a private and safe space. For this reason, I generally won't provide parents with a detailed account of everything their child says or does during a session. During parent feedback sessions, we can discuss your child's overall progress, therapeutic goals, patterns or themes that may be emerging, and ways you can support them at home, while still respecting their privacy. There are limits to confidentiality. If I become concerned that your child or another person may be at risk of harm, or if I am legally required to disclose information, I will take appropriate steps to support their safety.

Question 5

What should I tell my child about coming to therapy?

Accepted Answer

It is usually best to keep the explanation simple, positive and appropriate for your child's age. Avoid telling your child that they are coming to therapy because something is 'wrong' with them or because they need to change their behaviour. For a younger child, you might explain that they are going to meet someone who has a special playroom where children can play, create and talk about things that are important to them. For an older child or teenager, you might explain that counselling gives them a private space to talk to someone outside the family about things that may be worrying, frustrating or difficult.

Question 6

What if my child is nervous or doesn't want to separate from me?

Accepted Answer

It is very normal for some children to feel nervous when they first begin therapy, particularly younger children who may be unsure about entering the playroom without their parent. We will work at your child's pace and focus on helping them feel safe and comfortable. Your child's individual needs, including any concerns about separation, can be discussed during the parent intake session so that we can plan how best to support their transition into therapy.

Question 7

How will we know if therapy is helping?

Accepted Answer

Therapy goals are established at the beginning of treatment and reviewed regularly throughout the therapy process. Progress may be seen in many different ways, such as changes in your child's emotional regulation, behaviour, anxiety, relationships, confidence, communication or ability to cope with difficult experiences. Regular parent feedback sessions provide an opportunity to discuss changes you are noticing at home or school and review whether therapy goals are being met. Where appropriate, questionnaires or other outcome measures may also be used to help monitor progress.

Question 8

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need a GP or specialist referral to make an appointment. Parents and caregivers can contact North Star directly to discuss whether our services may be suitable for their child or family.

Question 9

Can you communicate with my child's school or other professionals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With your consent, I can communicate and collaborate with your child's school, teacher or other professionals involved in their care when this is likely to support their therapy. This may include sharing relevant recommendations, discussing strategies or helping ensure that the important adults in your child's life are working toward consistent goals. Your child's privacy will always be considered when deciding what information is appropriate to share.

Question 10

What happens in a Play Therapy session? Can I watch, and do I need to stay?

Accepted Answer

During your initial parent intake session, you will be given a short book to read with your child to help them understand what to expect and feel prepared for their first Play Therapy session. When you arrive, I will meet you and your child in the waiting area before welcoming your child into the playroom. Play Therapy sessions are generally conducted with the child and therapist only, as this helps children develop a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and engage freely in the playroom. Parents are usually asked to remain in the waiting area during the session rather than observe. Any concerns about separation or your child's individual needs can be discussed during the intake session.

Question 11

What happens in a Pre-Teen or Teen Counselling session? Do I need to stay?

Accepted Answer

Pre-teen and teen counselling sessions are generally held with the young person and therapist only. This gives young people a private and supportive space to talk openly, build trust and develop increasing independence within therapy. Parents are usually asked to remain in the waiting area during the session. At times, your child may request that a parent join part of the session, or the therapist may recommend some parent involvement where this would be helpful. This will always be discussed with you and your child.

Question 12

What happens in a TF-CBT session?

Accepted Answer

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) actively involves both the child or young person and their caregiver. Sessions generally include a combination of individual time with the child, individual time with the caregiver, and joint child-caregiver work. A typical session may begin together before the child spends approximately 45 minutes individually with the therapist. The caregiver may then have approximately 25 minutes with the therapist, with the session finishing together where appropriate. The structure of TF-CBT changes throughout treatment depending on the stage of therapy and the individual needs of the family. Some sessions may involve more individual child work, more caregiver work, or extended joint sessions. The expected structure and caregiver involvement will be discussed during the intake process and throughout therapy.

Question 13

How long will my child have to attend?

Accepted Answer

There is no set timeframe, as every child's needs and circumstances are different. Play Therapy: many children begin to show meaningful progress within around 6 months (approximately 20 to 24 sessions), with therapy goals reviewed regularly along the way. Some children may require a shorter or longer period of support depending on their presenting concerns, developmental needs and individual progress. Parent feedback sessions are typically held every four weeks. Pre-Teen/Teen Counselling: some young people begin to feel more comfortable and experience initial emotional relief within the first 2 to 4 sessions, while meaningful and lasting progress often develops over 6 weeks to 6 months. For concerns such as anxiety, low mood or everyday emotional difficulties, therapy commonly involves around 12 to 20 weekly sessions, although some young people may benefit from shorter or longer-term support. Parent feedback sessions are typically held every four weeks. TF-CBT: typically involves around 12 to 16 weekly sessions, although some children and adolescents may benefit from a longer course of therapy depending on their experiences, symptoms and individual needs.

Question 14

Do you do telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, telehealth can be booked for intake, feedback and parent counselling sessions only.

Question 15

Do you accept Medicare, private health or NDIS?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer Medicare, NDIS or private health rebates at this stage.

Question 16

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that occasionally appointments need to be changed or cancelled. As therapy appointments are reserved specifically for your child or family, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Appointments cancelled with less than the required notice, or missed appointments, will incur a cancellation fee. Full details of the cancellation policy will be provided when you book your first appointment.

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