The meltdowns. The withdrawal. The school calls. The stomach aches that aren't really stomach aches. You've tried everything — and it's not enough. That's not your failure. That's exactly where a specialist can help.
Book a Free Discovery Call 📞 Or Call Us Now: 0414 975 728Chloe explains Halo Journey's approach with young clients — how trust is built, what a session actually involves, and what parents can expect. No jargon. No clinical speak.
2 minutes. Real talk from your child's counsellor.
Children don't act out because they want to make your life harder. They act out because they don't have the skills or language to handle what they're feeling inside. That's completely normal — and it's exactly what counselling is designed to help with.
You don't need a diagnosis to know your child is hurting. If any of these feel familiar, professional support can make a real difference.
Avoiding school, social events, or new situations. Constant "what if" questions. Bedtime is a nightly battle of worry and tears.
Explosive reactions over small things. Hitting, screaming, or shutting down completely. You're walking on eggshells in your own home.
Can't sit still, can't concentrate, constantly in trouble at school. Teachers say they're "not reaching their potential." You're exhausted.
They've gone quiet. Stopped doing things they loved. Spending more time alone. Saying things like "nobody cares" or "I'm stupid."
Separation, divorce, a new sibling, moving house, losing someone. Big changes hit kids hard — they just don't always have the words.
Refusing to go. Falling behind. Friendship problems. Being bullied — or becoming the bully. The school counsellor has done what they can.
Here's the reality of getting help for your child in Australia right now. We think you should know exactly what you're choosing between.
Every week without support is a week those patterns get stronger. With Halo Journey, your child can be in their first session this week.
Follow us on socials & subscribe to unlock 10% off every session, for life. That's $15 saved per session, every session.
The anxiety doesn't get better on its own. The meltdowns don't stop because they "grew out of it." The withdrawal doesn't lift because you gave it more time.
Children internalise what they can't express. What starts as school refusal becomes entrenched avoidance. What starts as anger becomes a pattern they carry into every relationship. What starts as sadness becomes a lens through which they see themselves.
You've probably already noticed it getting harder, not easier. That's not a reflection on you — it's the nature of untreated emotional pain in children. It compounds.
The longer you wait, the deeper the patterns root. What could shift in a few sessions now may take years to unwind later.
The hardest part isn't starting counselling.
The hardest part is watching them struggle without it.
No clinical waiting rooms. No awkward first sessions. We meet you first, then gently bring your child into a space that feels safe.
Just you and us — no forms, no commitment. Tell us what's going on, ask anything, and we'll tell you honestly if we can help. Your child isn't involved at this stage.
Joanna meets with you to understand your child's history, challenges, and strengths — so your child never has to carry the burden of explaining their own story from scratch.
Age-appropriate sessions using talk therapy, creative activities, and play-based approaches. Your child builds trust with Joanna at their own pace. No forcing. No rushing.
It's important to understand that your child also has rights to confidentiality. Parent check-ins are facilitated in most cases, with the child present, however, we can talk to you about this in more detail when you book in your first call with us.
Every child is different. Joanna tailors her approach to your child's age, personality, and needs — never a one-size-fits-all template.
Social anxiety, separation anxiety, school refusal, panic, specific fears, generalised worry.
Emotional regulation, focus strategies, self-esteem building, school coping, family dynamics.
Aggression, defiance, meltdowns, impulsivity, difficulty following rules at home or school.
Withdrawal, hopelessness, loss of interest, sleeping too much or little, negative self-talk.
Parental separation, divorce, custody changes, blended families, sibling conflict.
Social skills, peer conflict, exclusion, cyberbullying, being bullied or becoming the bully.
Negative self-image, perfectionism, gender identity questions, body image, feeling "different."
Death of a family member, pet, or friend. Loss of friendships, lifestyle changes, or safety.

Specialises in anxiety, ADHD, behavioural challenges, and family disruption. Warm, creative, child-led approach.
"It's great! I REALLY like Joanna."
Joanna uses a blend of talk therapy, play-based techniques, and creative expression to build trust patiently until young people feel genuinely comfortable opening up. She's particularly experienced with children navigating family changes — separation, divorce, blended families — and understands how deeply these shifts affect a child's sense of safety.
Your child doesn't need to "want" therapy. They just need to feel safe. That's what Joanna creates.
Public: up to 6+ months. Private: 2-6 months. Us: this week.
7 days, 8am—10pm AEST. Sessions fit around school, not the other way around.
No travel. No sterile waiting rooms. Your child joins from the place they feel safest.
Working with children and adolescents is what Joanna specialises in.
Medicare caps you at 10/year. Often not enough. Your child gets as much support as they need.
LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally sensitive. Every child welcome. Every identity respected.
You know exactly what it costs before you start. No confusing tiers, no retainers, no bill shock.
The discovery call is completely free and doesn't commit you to anything. If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you honestly.
Most parents who call us have been going back and forth for weeks. Here's what we want you to know:
15 minutes. No forms. No pressure. No credit card. Just tell us what's going on and we'll tell you honestly if we can help. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so.
The first two steps are parent-only. You have time to feel it out before your child is ever involved. No surprises for them.
Everything is confidential. We don't contact schools, family members, or anyone else. It's between you, your child, and Joanna.
If something feels off with your child, trust that instinct. Parents who seek help early give their children the best chance. You're not making a mountain out of a molehill — you're being a good parent.
Joanna works with children and adolescents, typically ages 5 through 17. If your child falls outside this range, get in touch and we'll advise the best path forward — we're always honest about whether we're the right fit.
For most children, yes — and often better than in-person. Kids are digital natives. Being at home removes the anxiety of an unfamiliar office. Many children open up faster in their own space. Joanna uses visual activities, creative prompts, and interactive tools designed specifically for online sessions with young people.
Completely normal — most children are reluctant at first. The word "therapy" sounds scary. Joanna is experienced at building rapport with kids who didn't want to be there. We start with a parent-only session so your child isn't thrown into anything cold. Most kids look forward to sessions after the first one or two.
No. Joanna is a counsellor and psychotherapist, not a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. She helps your child manage the emotional, behavioural, and social challenges that come with these conditions — whether or not they have a diagnosis. If a formal assessment is needed, we can point you to the right professionals.
It depends on your child. Some benefit from 4—6 sessions. Others need longer-term support. There are no session limits. Joanna discusses progress regularly and is always transparent about what's working and when it might be time to wrap up.
We're private pay only — no Medicare bulk-billing. This also means no waitlist, no session limits (Medicare caps at 10/year), and no restrictions. Some private health funds offer rebates for counselling under extras cover — check with your provider. We provide receipts for every session.
Yes — with balance. Joanna keeps you informed through regular parent check-ins and shares strategies for home. She also respects your child's privacy to keep their therapeutic space sacred. That trust is what makes sessions work. If there's ever a safety concern, you'll be told immediately.
No. No GP referral, Mental Health Plan, or paperwork needed. Just book a free discovery call. If you have existing reports or referrals, we're happy to review them — but they're not required.
Completely. Everything your child shares is kept in confidence. We don't share details with schools, other family members, or anyone else without your explicit consent — unless there's a safety concern. Nobody knows your child is in counselling unless you tell them.
That's more common than you'd think — and it doesn't mean counselling doesn't work for your child. It often means the fit wasn't right. Joanna's approach is specifically designed for young people, using creative and play-based methods rather than the "sit and talk" format that doesn't suit most kids. A different approach with a specialist often makes all the difference.
15 minutes. No forms. No commitment. Just a conversation with someone who helps children for a living — and who can tell you honestly whether we're the right fit for yours.
Book Your Free Discovery Call 📞 Prefer to Call? 0414 975 728Available 7 days — 8am—10pm AEST — Fully online, Australia-wide