Chat it Out Counselling and Wellness
0452 142 022
Youth Counselling Port Adelaide
A confidential space for teenagers and young adults to talk through relationship, school, and emotional challenges, and learn practical ways to improve communication and manage anxiety, and stress.
For individuals over 21 years of age, please explore Adult Counselling - Port Adelaide.
Teen Counselling (11 -21 years)
Life can feel hard sometimes. Everyone deserves a space to talk about what’s going on and how it really feels.
A place to say it how it is — without judgement or pressure.
Just space to understand what’s happening, and work out what to do next..
Counselling for Teenagers at Port Adelaide
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Relationship Stress
For teenagers to talk openly about what’s going on in their relationships — including family conflict, friendship challenges, break-up or communication breakdown and how its affecting them.
Cheryl helps young people build skills to manage anxiety, stress, and unhelpful coping patterns 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, time management, 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.
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.
MY APPROACH
If you are a caregiver that has booked an appointment for your teen, I like to have a brief chat with you first, just to get some context around what you’ve been noticing at home.
The first session is focused on building connection and trust. 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. I usually do this through conversation, games, or activities. If there’s anything your teen particularly enjoys (for example, art or creative activities), it would be great to know so I can incorporate that in our session.
I like to explain confidentiality in front of both the caregiver and teen, so everyone understands the rules. Sessions run for 60 minutes, and toward the end, I’ll gently check in with your teen to see if there’s anything they would like to share with their caregiver. If they are comfortable, we can invite the caregiver in for that part. This approach helps build trust and gives your teen a sense of control.
If I have any concerns about the safety of your teen, I will contact the caregiver immediately.
Most individuals come for around 3–6 sessions, but everyone’s different. Extra support or a check-in is available whenever its needed.
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.
Confidentiality – Privacy Matters
It’s completely normal to feel unsure about sharing personal things with someone new. Confidentiality is an important part of counselling, and many teens want to know that what they say will be kept private.
In our sessions, what you share is treated with care and respect, and will remain confidential.
There are some situations where I am required by law to share information:
If I am concerned that you may be at risk of harm to yourself or someone else
If there are concerns about abuse or neglect of a child or young person
If information is required by a court of law
If a referral to another professional is needed — I will always talk this through with you first and seek your consent where possible
As a counsellor in South Australia, I am also a mandatory reporter. This means I have a legal responsibility to report concerns where a young person may be at risk of harm or not safe.
Outside of these situations, what you share in counselling stays between us. You are always welcome to include your parent or caregiver in conversations if you choose, and I can support you in doing that in a way that feels comfortable.
Book Your Chat Today
Let’s chat about the support you need and how we can help you.
Sessions are $88 inc GST/50 mins
Packages available at reduced rates
NO GP REFERRAL REQUIRED - MENTAL HEALTH PLANS ACCEPTED