Therapy for Children and Teens in Melbourne

Childhood and adolescence are times of significant emotional, social, and cognitive development. While these stages bring excitement and discovery, they can also come with challenges that impact mental well-being. At Toolbox Clinic, we provide specialised psychological support to help children and teenagers navigate emotions, relationships, and life’s pressures in a safe and supportive environment.

Many young people experience emotional and behavioural difficulties that can affect their daily lives, relationships, and school experiences. Some of the most common concerns we support include:

  • Anxiety & Worry – Generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks.

  • Depression & Low Mood – Persistent sadness, loss of motivation, and withdrawal from friends and activities.

  • Emotional Regulation Challenges – Difficulty managing big emotions, frequent meltdowns, or mood swings.

  • Self-Esteem & Body Image Issues – Struggles with confidence, self-worth, and peer comparison.

  • Friendship & Social Difficulties – Challenges with making friends, bullying, social skills, and peer pressure.

  • Family & School-Related Stress – Conflicts at home, academic pressures, school refusal, and perfectionism.

  • Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts – Emotional distress leading to risky behaviours or harmful coping mechanisms.

  • Trauma & PTSD – Processing distressing experiences such as family separation, loss, abuse, or witnessing traumatic events.

  • Neurodivergence Support – Emotional regulation and coping strategies for children with ADHD, autism, or learning differences.

How We Can Help

Our experienced psychologists use evidence-based approaches to support children and teenagers in understanding their emotions, developing resilience, and learning practical coping skills.

Our Therapeutic Approaches:

  • Play Therapy & Expressive Therapies – Using creative and interactive approaches to help younger children process emotions.

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) – Teaching young people to recognise and change unhelpful thought patterns.

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Encouraging mindfulness, emotional flexibility, and values-based actions.

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills – Focusing on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.

  • Self-Compassion Therapy – Building self-kindness and reducing self-criticism.

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy – Providing a safe and structured approach to healing from distressing experiences.

Parents & Caregivers

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in child and teenage mental health. We offer parent consultations and family therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and support parents in managing their child’s challenges.

When to Seek Help

It’s important to reach out for support if a child or teenager is experiencing persistent emotional distress, significant changes in behavior, or difficulty coping with daily life. Early intervention can prevent concerns from escalating and promote long-term well-being.

Get in Touch

At Toolbox Clinic, we’re committed to helping young people build the confidence, skills, and resilience to navigate life’s challenges. If you or your teenager needs support, contact us to book an appointment with one of our psychologists.