Chat It Out Counselling and Wellness
YOUTH COUNSELLING - PORT ADELAIDE
Counselling for teens and young individuals (11-21) in Adelaide navigating school stress, relationships challenges, anxiety or confidence .
Teen Counselling
At Chat It Out Counselling and Wellness, through youth or teen counselling, we provide a calm and supportive space in Port Adelaide, for young people to talk openly, build confidence, and learn ways to manage relationships, stress, anxiety or emotions.
For individuals over 21 years of age, please explore Adult Counselling - Port Adelaide.
Counselling for Teenagers at Port Adelaide
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Mentoring
Cheryl offers a supportive space for teens to confide, check in, and talk openly about what’s going on in their lives. Providing consistent support, and helping young people learn the skills they want to build, at their own pace.
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School Challenges
Support for the everyday struggles that may come with school life — from anxiety about attending, friendship issues, fitting in, bullying, to academic pressure. Sessions give your teen space to talk about how these challenges affect them, at their own pace, while exploring changes and strategies they feel ready to try.
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Emotional Wellbeing
For deeper struggles such as anxiety, trauma, grief, negative thinking, substance use, or big changes that feel hard to cope with. Sessions offer time to talk about what’s going on, explore what’s working and what isn’t, build on strengths, and learn coping strategies your teen feels ready to try.
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Performance Anxiety
Self Criticism | Overthinking Mistakes | Anxiety before and after performances | Losing Enjoyment.
Counselling can help you understand what’s driving this pressure, reduce self-criticism, and develop ways to respond with more balance — both in performance settings and everyday life.
Meet Cheryl - Teen Counsellor
Hi, I’m Cheryl — a registered counsellor based in Port Adelaide and the founder of Chat It Out Counselling and Wellness. I’m also a mum of two young adults and have previously volunteered as a youth mentor.
Choosing a counsellor isn’t just a practical decision — it’s also about connection. For counselling to be helpful, your teen needs to feel comfortable, safe, and able to trust the person they’re talking to.
Many teens are more willing to open up when they feel listened to rather than assessed, and when they know their thoughts and feelings will be taken seriously. Building that trust takes time, and sessions are paced with that in mind.
I support teens who are navigating anxiety, school pressure, confidence, friendships, and relationship challenges.
Sessions are tailored to your teen and focused on helping them feel heard, understood, and supported at their own pace.
A NOTE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH PLANS
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At this stage, counselling is not included under the Medicare Better Access Scheme, so sessions with a counsellor can’t be claimed through Medicare. Medicare rebates are available when seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, and gap fees and wait times can vary, so it’s always best to check directly with the practitioner about what that looks like for you.
You don’t need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to book an appointment with me — you’re welcome to self-refer at any time.
If you already have a Mental Health Care Plan, I can still offer support. It’s helpful to have a quick chat first so we can make sure counselling is the right fit for your needs and within our scope. If it’s not, I’m always happy to suggest other support options or practitioners that may be better suited.
For other frequently asked questions, please see my FAQ page.
MY APPROACH
When we meet for the first time, we’ll chat in a private, comfortable space where you can speak freely and know everything you say stays confidential.
At the start, I’ll explain how sessions work — things like timing, paperwork, and what my role is (and yours).
Most people come for around 3–6 sessions, but everyone’s different. You’re always welcome to come back for extra support or a check-in whenever you need it.
I know that talking to someone you don’t know can feel awkward or even a bit scary. That’s why I make counselling as relaxed as possible — we can chat while walking, play a game, or just sit and talk. It’s all about making you feel comfortable.
You can talk about what’s been happening, what’s on your mind, or what you’d like to change.
Teen Struggles: Common Signs To Look Out For:
Everyone goes through ups and downs, but sometimes those changes feel bigger or harder to handle. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it might be a sign your teen (or you, if you’re reading this for yourself) could use some extra support:
Trouble sleeping or constant tiredness
Wanting to be alone more often or pulling away from friends
Mood changes that feel unusual or out of character
Losing interest or motivation in things once enjoyed
Using alcohol or substances to cope
Eating much more or much less than usual
Feeling anxious about going to school or being in public places
If you’re a concerned parent/caregiver, unsure how to start the Counselling conversation with your Teen - check out our Fact Sheet - Starting the Counselling Conversation - Tips for Parents.
Confidentiality – Privacy Matters
It’s normal to feel worried about sharing personal things with someone new. Confidentiality is an important part of counselling, and Teens naturally want to feel safe knowing that what they talk about stays private.
Everything shared remains confidential unless:
You are at risk of harm to yourself or someone else.
There is a concern about child abuse.
Your session notes are legally required by a court of law.
A referral to another professional is needed — in this case, I will always seek your permission first and discuss what information is shared.
Outside of these rare circumstances, what you share in counselling stays between us unless you choose to share something with your parent or caregiver.
Book Your Chat Today
Let’s chat about the support you need and how we can help you.
Sessions are $88 inc GST/hour
Packages available at reduced rates
NO GP REFERRAL REQUIRED - MENTAL HEALTH PLANS ACCEPTED