Meet Marishka BCoun; MSc CCYP
Children and Adolescents Counsellor
I am passionate about supporting and empowering children and adolescents with mental health challenges. I have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree in Counselling from the Australian Catholic University (Melbourne) and a Master's degree in Counselling Children and Young People (University of Northampton, England). ​
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I utilize multiple counselling approaches to work with children and adolescents (5 to 17 years of age), predominantly focusing on cognitive-behavioural therapy along with various forms of art and play therapy. I focus on building authentic connections with my clients. I offer guidance and support for children and adolescents for a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, grief & loss, childhood trauma, changes in family settings (parents' separation/divorce); along with personal development, transition to school, social skills, building resilience, positive self-esteem, emotional regulation and building healthy mindsets. I work collaboratively with parents/guardians and other professionals involved with the child/teen (e.g. GPs and other specialists), to ensure holistic and consistent care is provided for the young person.
Counselling is typically offered between 8 to 12 sessions weekly or fortnightly. I intend to build authentic therapeutic relationships with my clients and their families, which is key to birthing positive counselling outcomes. I am passionate about helping children and adolescents cultivate healthy mindsets and practice good mental health habits; helping young people evolve into healthy, thriving and positive individuals.
Why Counselling
Anxiety & Depression
An anxious child or teen can appear withdrawn and shy, or irritable, restless and energetic. Counselling helps the young person to understand their mental health and provide tools to manage their anxiety.
Childhood Trauma
Children and adolescents exposed to trauma or abuse during their lifetime can stunt their ability to develop emotionally and mentally. Counselling is a safe space for a young person to work through their trauma and learn to overcome their fears.
Building Resilience
Instilling hope and building courage are keys to developing good mental health. Being equipped to face life's challenges at a young age will enable young people to establish healthy mindsets and resilience into adulthood.
Understanding 'Big' Emotions & Emotional Regulation
Children often lack guidance to understand and manage their 'big' emotions such as anger, sadness or worry. Adolescents might face challenges with navigating relationships. Guiding young people during these stages is crucial for healthy emotional regulation.
Grief & Loss
Grief can arise in various settings not merely when physical death occurs. A child/teen might grieve relationship breakdowns, fall-outs in friendships, or death of a pet. It is vital to address grief in young people to nurture their grieving process.
Building Healthy Mindsets
Helping children and adolescents build healthy mindsets and cultivate good mental health is the vision behind Mindguard. Fostering positive changes and inhabiting healthy minds are the key focus areas.
What Mindguard Offers
