Children & Young People
Counselling for Children & Young People
A safe, nurturing space where children can express themselves, build resilience, and thrive.
Book a SessionSupporting Children Through Life's Challenges
Children experience the world differently to adults — their emotions are big, their words sometimes limited, and their need for safety is paramount. Maria Sarina provides a warm, child-centred counselling environment where young people feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Using evidence-based, age-appropriate approaches including play therapy, creative arts, and narrative therapy, Maria works with children aged 4–17 to address a wide range of emotional and behavioural challenges.
Areas of Support
Anxiety & Worry
Helping children manage anxious thoughts, school refusal, separation anxiety, and social fears.
Trauma & Abuse
Gentle, trauma-informed support for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or distressing events.
Grief & Loss
Supporting children through the loss of a loved one, family separation, or significant life changes.
Bullying
Building confidence and coping strategies for children experiencing bullying at school or online.
Behavioural Challenges
Working with children and families to understand and address difficult behaviours with compassion.
Family Breakdown
Helping children navigate parental separation, blended families, and changes in family structure.
Self-Esteem & Identity
Supporting children to develop a positive sense of self, confidence, and healthy relationships.
Neurodiversity
Tailored support for children with ADHD, autism spectrum, and other neurodiverse profiles.
A Child-Centred Approach
Maria uses play, art, and storytelling as therapeutic tools because children communicate most naturally through these mediums. Sessions are tailored to each child's age, developmental stage, and individual needs.
Parents and caregivers are an important part of the process. Maria works collaboratively with families to ensure children receive consistent support both in and outside of sessions.
The Support I Offer
My service focuses on coaching you as the parent rather than working directly with the children.
Observation and modelling
I observe how you and your children interact in a structured session environment, then model effective strategies in real time so you can see exactly how they work.
Coached practice
You practise these strategies with my guidance and feedback while your children are present, building confidence and competence in a supported setting.
Tailored planning
I develop a specific plan that works for your parenting style and your neurodiverse family — not generic neurotypical advice.
Independence
The goal is for you to manage your family confidently without relying on external services or people who may not always be available.
Why working with you is more effective than working with the children
You are the constant
Your children see you every day. Changes you make in how you respond, your tone, your authority, and your consistency will have far greater impact than any strategies a therapist implements in a session.
The home environment is where the real work happens
Your children's behaviour is significantly different at school compared to at home. Working in your home environment means we're addressing the actual problem, not a controlled setting.
Children respond to parental authority
Your children need to see that you have the authority and control. When they see you implementing strategies confidently, they learn to respect your leadership.
Sustainability
If I work directly with the children, the changes stop when the sessions end. When I coach you, you develop the skills to manage any situation independently.
Addressing the real issue
The problem isn't your children's neurodiversity — it's that they need clear, consistent, authoritative parenting that works for a neurodiverse parent managing dysregulated children together.
Next steps
I will send you an email with some initial strategies you can try at home. When you're ready, I'd like to invite you to bring your children to a session at the Kids Counselling Centre in Bligh Park. Sessions are available Tuesdays and Thursdays, including late evening appointments to suit your schedule.
Book a sessionConveniently Located Across Two Sites
Maria sees clients across two accessible locations in the Hawkesbury region — Bligh Park and Richmond — making it easy for families from Windsor, McGraths Hill, South Windsor, and surrounding areas to access support.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Reaching out is the bravest thing you can do for your child. Maria offers a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your child's needs and answer any questions.
Book a Consultation