Links & FAQs

How can children heal from trauma

Children have told us that counselling has helped them:

graphic-victory> To focus in class to do their schoolwork


> Understand their feelings better


> Make new friendships


> By having a safe space where someone listened to them


> Gave them ways to get to sleep


> Feel better about themselves


> Build their confidence and resilience


> Provided a place where they can be themselves


> Feel a sense of being connected with the world


> Not feel as worried about things


Learn more: Links and resources

If you are a child or teenager with questions, have a look at our FAQs below. If you need to know something else, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or visit www.burstingthebubble.com

If you are a parent looking for more information, see our FAQs below, or visit casac.org

graphic-sunFrequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the best time for my child to start counselling?
A. The sooner a child or young person gets help, the less likely it is to impact on them later in life.If a person gets counselling early on, their trauma is much less likely to become deep-rooted. If it’s not dealt with, it can become a much bigger problem that will make therapy harder in the future, or take much longer to heal. Because we work with families too, we can give them strategies to deal with it better at the time. The faster the problem is tackled, the quicker children/young people and their families can get on with their lives.

Q. Do I need a referral?
A. Yes. You can be referred from another service OR you can refer yourself. Before you refer yourself, you have to make a report to the Family & Community Services Helpline on 132 111 (open 24 hours a day.) Rosebank sees people if the allegation has been substantiated or not.

Q. How much does it cost?
A. Our service is free.

Q. How many sessions will my child need?
A. It depends on what is happening for the child and family. Sometimes counsellors see families/children for a couple of sessions. Sometimes we see families for longer.

Q. Can I come in to the session with my child?
A. We incorporate families in the therapy sessions but not necessarily in the room at the same time.

Q. Will other people find out what’s happening in our family?
A. We are a confidential service. The family can choose who they want to tell.

Q. Do I have to make an appointment? Or is there a drop-in service?
A. Clients are seen by appointment only. We are not a drop-in service.

Q. How long is each session?
A. Usually between 45 minutes to 1 hour long.

Q. How long will we have to wait to get an appointment?
A. It depends if there’s a waiting list. Usually no longer than 2-3 weeks.

Q. Does Rosebank have parking?
A. Parking is on site.

Q. Is Rosebank accessible by public transport?
A. Rosebank is up the road from Liverpool station and bus depot.

Q. Do you do counselling over the phone or do we have to come in?
A. Appointments are held at Rosebank.

Q. My child does not want to attend counselling. What should I do?
A. We believe that children need to be respected, to move at a pace that they feel comfortable. If children don’t want to come to counselling then we will work with the primary carer or parent so as they can support their child.

Q. Can my child receive counselling at home?
A. Counselling is only provided at Rosebank. Counselling needs to be undertaken in a neutral, safe, and respectful environment.

Q. Can counselling really help an abused child to recover?
A. Yes. Rosebank provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where children and families are provided with the space to process the trauma and integrate it into their lives, enabling the healing process to start so that families can move forward.

Q. Should the parent receive counselling too?
A. We work in a holistic way, so parents are a part of the therapy process.

Q. What are the qualifications/experience of your staff?
A. All of our counsellors have Post Graduate level specialist sexual assault training, and receive ongoing professional development and training in trauma and therapy models. Counsellors hold degrees in areas of social welfare, counselling, social work and education. Experience includes working with children and families, providing advocacy and support in areas including disability, out of home care, mental health and women’s health.

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