Adolescent Therapy in Melbourne
Illume Psychology offers adolescent therapy in Melbourne for young people aged 15 years and over, at our practices in Hawthorn and South Melbourne. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical developmental stage that lays the foundations for life pathways and future wellbeing. Therapy offers a space to thoughtfully negotiate the unique developmental challenges of adolescence, including supporting emotional wellbeing, relationship functioning, the development of a strong sense of self, effective communication and finding a direction in life.
Supporting the transition to adulthood
The transition to adulthood is a time of exploration, change and possibility. Young people are developing a sense of who they are and what matters to them. They may explore different possibilities for their future, revising their choices and plans as they grow.
It can also be a time of uncertainty as they negotiate increasing independence and responsibility while continuing to rely on others. Forming meaningful relationships and finding a place in the wider world are important aspects of this transition.
Our work with young people supports:
Emotional wellbeing and the capacity to identify and express feelings
The formation of a strong sense of self and identity, built upon values which guide decisions, aspirations and action
The development of independence, responsibility and self-discipline, including the capacity to make decisions and work towards meaningful goals
Effective communication, including expressing needs, establishing boundaries and recognising the boundaries of others
Social connection and the formation of fulfilling relationships
Exploration of possibilities and directions in life
Our approach to adolescent therapy
We know from both research and experience that relationships are fundamental to psychological development. Our approach involves skilful attention to the therapeutic relationship, through which we aim to understand and work through underlying problems and support wellbeing.
Your therapy space is a place for you to speak openly about your experiences and the things that matter to you. With your consent, your parent or caregiver may be invited to participate in a developmental interview to help us understand your early experiences and development.
Sessions are private and confidential. If we are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, we may need to share relevant information with an appropriate person, such as a parent or caregiver. Where possible, we will talk with you about this first. You can read more about our duty of care.
If you enter into therapy following the initial consultation, a regular appointment time is reserved and provides a consistent space that belongs just to you.
What brings young people to therapy
Young people come to adolescent therapy, sometimes called teen counselling, for many different reasons, which may include:
Anxiety and worry
Depression and low mood
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Difficulties with friendships and fitting in, including social isolation and bullying
Anger and behavioural problems at school
Academic performance, or anxiety about it
Uncertainty about gender or sexual orientation
Not getting along with parents or within the family
Grief, including the death of a parent
Trauma, including sexual abuse or assault
Other crises in their life
Illume Psychology is not a crisis service. If a young person is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. For 24 hour support, young people can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, and anyone can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. More services are listed on our Crisis Support page.
Psychologists who see adolescents
Adolescent therapy is offered by the following psychologists, each of whom can be booked online.
Dr Rebecca Giess
Clinical Psychologist
BA (Hons) DPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Hawthorn
Nicole D’Souza
Clinical Psychologist
BA (Hons) MPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Hawthorn and South Melbourne
Erin McSheffrey
Psychologist
BPsychSc, BPsych(Hons), MPsych(Clin), MAPS
South Melbourne
Natalie Gelfand
Psychologist
BBiomediSc GradDipPsych (Adv) MPsych (Clinical)
South Melbourne
Madeline Wilson
Psychologist
B SocSci (Psych) GradDipPsych MPsych (Ed & Dev)
Hawthorn and South Melbourne
Brooke Rubenstein
Psychologist
BA (Hons) MPsych (Clinical)
Hawthorn and South Melbourne
Tori Heywood-Smith
Psychologist
BPsychSc(Hons) MA(ATh)
Hawthorn and South Melbourne
Where we see young people
Adolescent therapy is available in person at both of our practices.
Hawthorn: Suite 2, 33 Malmsbury Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122
South Melbourne: Level 3, 18 Thomson Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Telehealth sessions are also possible.
Consultations are by appointment. We also offer appointments outside ordinary hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, though this varies by clinician.
What you might like to know
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Sessions are 50 minutes in duration. An initial consultation is scheduled to assess your needs, develop an early understanding of the concerns that have brought you to therapy, and consider how we may work together. Once therapy begins, a regular session time is reserved for you by mutual agreement.
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Parents and caregivers usually attend the last 15 minutes of the initial consultation to complete informed consent. With the young person’s consent, a parent or caregiver may also be invited to participate in a developmental interview.
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Consultations are $260 for 50 minutes. A reduced fee may be offered in certain circumstances. For after hours, weekend or public holiday appointments a $20 surcharge applies. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician, you are entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. With an Eating Disorder Treatment Plan you are entitled to Medicare rebates for up to 40 sessions over a 12 month period. Additional rebates may also be available through private health insurers.
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Appointments can be booked online, either through the appointments page or from a psychologist’s profile in our team pages. You are also welcome to send an enquiry, text or call us on 0412 803 277, though direct online booking offers the most immediate way to secure an appointment.
Further reading
Our Reading page includes articles on identity and growth. You might like to read:
Book an adolescent therapy appointment
Appointments can be booked online for an initial consultation.