Child & Adolescent Counselling Caboolture

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Talking to your daughter about counselling can be one of the hardest conversations to start. As a counsellor who has worked with young people and families for many years, I’ve seen just how much worry and uncertainty this topic can bring up for parents. You may see your child struggling and want to offer support, but feel unsure how to approach the subject without causing resistance or shutting down the conversation. Here are some gentle, practical ways to open the door to counselling — in a way that supports your daughters' sense of safety, choice, and trust.

8 Conversation Starters to Help You Introduce Counselling

1. “You deserve support.”

“You’ve been going through a lot, and you deserve the right kind of support. No one should have to deal with everything on their own.”

This framing is important — “deserve” feels kinder and more empowering than “need.”

2. “Let’s try it out — just for a bit.”

“How about giving it three sessions? If it doesn’t feel right after that, we can talk about it again.”

A time-limited trial can lower the pressure.

3. “This affects all of us.”

“We’re in this together. It’s a family thing, and everyone’s getting support in some way — not just you.”

Taking responsibility as a team helps your daughter feel less singled out.

4. “Would you do it for me?”

“I know it’s not your favourite idea, but would you go for me, just to give it a shot?”

Sometimes teens will take that first step not for themselves, but for someone they care about.

5. “Lots of people talk to someone.”

“Honestly, it’s so normal now. Even celebrities and people we know go to therapy — it just helps.”

Normalising support can reduce shame and stigma.

6. “You get to choose.”

“Would you like to pick who you talk to? We can look together. It’s your choice.”

Giving your daughter a sense of control is key to helping them engage.

7. “No pressure — the option’s always there.”

“We can organise support anytime you’re ready. It’s totally your call.”

Let them know that counselling is on the table — not being forced down their throat.

8. “This is a parent decision — for now.”

“There are some decisions we need to make for your health and wellbeing. We’ll keep checking in and adjusting if needed.”

Sometimes, when things are really tough, stepping in as a parent is necessary.

5 Things You Can Do to Help Your Teen Take That First Step

✔️ Find a youth-friendly counsellor.
Look for someone who specialises in working with teen girls and understands their world.

✔️ Meet the counsellor yourself first.
It’s okay to book a session alone to get a feel for the counsellor’s style. After all, you’re trusting them with your child’s inner world.

✔️ Give your daughter a heads-up.
Never surprise them with a counselling appointment. Instead, prepare them gently:

• Tell them who they’re seeing and what to expect.
• Reassure them that they don’t have to say anything they don’t want to.
• Let them know confidentiality is part of the process.
• Offer to go in with them for the first few minutes if they want.
• Plan something enjoyable afterwards so the day doesn’t revolve around the session.

✔️ Have a plan for the day.
Make the day of the appointment as low-key as possible. Keep the routine normal, allow extra time, and maybe grab a hot chocolate on the way.

✔️ Be okay if they change their mind.
If they refuse to go, don’t force it. Still go yourself. Counsellors can guide you on next steps — and sometimes even gently reach out to your teen to help build a positive help-seeking experience.

A Final Thought for Parents

Please remember: therapy isn’t the only path forward. While professional support can be transformative, teens also heal through connection — with parents, mentors, friends, and caring adults in their world.

The journey to counselling may take time. Some teens need baby steps, not leaps. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to “get them into therapy” — it’s to help them move from resistance to ownership of their wellbeing.

In the meantime, you’re doing what parents do best: keeping the doors open, holding hope, and reminding them that brighter days are ahead.

Want to chat with someone who understands teen girls — and parents?

Reach out to Jicinta Elliott at Counselling For Her. Whether your daughter is ready now or just needs the seed planted, Jicinta offers compassionate, age-appropriate support that meets young people right where they are.

Get in touch today to start the conversation.

Adapted with thanks from Michelle Mitchell’s blog post, How to Talk to a Teen About Counselling.