Counselling for children and adolescents facing emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges — with care that is age-appropriate, compassionate, and family-informed.
Counselling for Children & Young People at Every Stage
Children and teenagers face real struggles even when they can’t always find the words for them. The pressures facing young people today are significant: academic expectations, social dynamics, family changes, identity questions, and a world that moves faster than many adults fully appreciate.
Sometimes the signs that something is wrong are clear — your child is refusing to go to school, their behaviour has changed noticeably, or they have told you directly that they are struggling. Other times it is subtler — a gradual withdrawal, a quietness that feels different, or a persistent sense as a parent that something is off, even if you can’t name what.
Both are valid reasons to reach out.
At Singapore Counselling Centre, our counsellors are experienced in working with children and adolescents in ways that are age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and sensitive to the family context. We work not just with the young person, but with parents and caregivers where helpful — because the support a child receives at home is just as important as what happens in the counselling room.
Children (7 – 12 years old)
Younger children often don’t have the language to express what they are feeling — but they communicate in other ways.
Our counsellors use play-based, creative, and expressive approaches to help children process their emotions, make sense of their experiences, and develop the skills to navigate challenges in an age-appropriate way.
Adolescents & Youth (13 – 18 years old)
The teenage years and early adulthood are a time of significant change — in identity, relationships, and the pressures that come with growing up. For many young people, it can feel like a lot to navigate, and not always easy to talk about with the people closest to them.
Our counsellors provide a confidential, non-judgmental space where teenagers and young adults can speak honestly about what they are going through — without fear of getting into trouble, being misunderstood, or worrying about how it will affect those around them.
A Note on Confidentiality
For parents and young people — what you need to know
One of the most common questions we receive from both parents and teenagers is about confidentiality — and it is an important one.
For parents: We understand that you want to know your child is safe and that counselling is helping. Our counsellors will keep you informed about your child’s general progress and wellbeing. However, the specific content of what your child shares in sessions is generally kept confidential. This confidentiality is not meant to exclude you — it is what allows your child to speak freely, which is what makes counselling effective.
For young people: What you share with your counsellor stays between you. The exception to this is if your counsellor is concerned that you or someone else is in immediate danger — in which case they have a professional and legal obligation to act to keep you safe.
We find that being transparent about this from the outset helps both parents and young people feel more comfortable with the process.
Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my child needs counselling?
There is no single answer to this. Some parents come to us after a specific incident or disclosure. Others come because they have noticed a gradual change in their child’s behaviour, mood, or engagement with life. If you are worried about your child, that concern alone is reason enough to reach out. You don’t need to wait until things reach a crisis point.
Will my child be forced to talk about things they don’t want to?
No. Counselling is never forced, and our counsellors are trained to work at the young person’s pace. For younger children especially, sessions may not look like traditional talking therapy at all. Play, drawing, and creative activities are often used to help children express what they are feeling in ways that feel natural and safe.
Do I attend sessions with my child?
This depends on the age of your child and what is most helpful. For younger children, parents are typically involved in parts of the process. For teenagers, sessions are usually individual and confidential, though parents may be invited in at agreed points. Your counsellor will discuss the most suitable approach with you at the start.
What will the counsellor tell me about what my child says?
Please see our note on confidentiality above. In short, your child’s counsellor will keep you informed about general progress and safety, but the specific content of sessions is kept confidential to allow your child to speak freely. If there are any safety concerns, your counsellor will always act on these and communicate with you appropriately.
At what age can a young person attend sessions independently?
Young people aged 16 and above may attend sessions independently and provide their own consent. For those below 18, parental or guardian consent is required.
Is counselling only for children with serious problems?
Not at all. Young people come to counselling for a wide range of reasons — some are navigating something specific and difficult, others simply want a space to process what they are feeling or to develop tools for managing stress and emotions. There is no threshold your child needs to meet before counselling is worth considering.
How do I get my child to agree to counselling?
This is one of the most common concerns parents raise, particularly with teenagers. Some young people are open to the idea; others are reluctant or resistant. It helps to frame counselling as a space that belongs to them — not a place where they will be analysed or told what to do, but somewhere they can speak freely to someone who is on their side.
Can sessions be conducted online?
Yes. We offer video counselling sessions for young people and families who prefer not to come in person, or for whom travelling to our centre is not practical. Please indicate your preference when making your booking.
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