Counselling for young people aged 14+ (and information for parents and carers)
I’m Julie Grucza, and I offer counselling for young people aged 14 and over, in person and by telehealth. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming, and it’s a space where you can be yourself without having to explain or defend who you are.
This page has two parts: one for young people and one for parents and carers. I have had over 20 years’ experience working with teens, most recently within the school Inclusion space. My years of teaching shape how I approach my counselling, with an open mind, flexibility, understanding and diversity.
For young people
What counselling with me is like
You don’t need to have a big problem, or to know exactly what’s wrong, to come to counselling. Some people come because they’re anxious, overwhelmed or burnt out, some because of friendships, school, family or identity, and some just want someone to talk to who won’t judge or tell them what to do.
In your first session, we’ll get to know each other and talk about what’s brought you here, as much or as little as you want. You get to decide if I feel like the right person to work with. You don’t have to talk about anything you’re not ready to, and we go at your pace.
Making it work for you
If you’re neurodivergent, we can change how sessions work, for example more time to find words, written or visual options, movement, or no pressure for eye contact. Sessions can also be walk-and-talk, which some people find easier than sitting face to face. Tell me what helps, and if you’re not sure yet, we’ll work it out together.
Your privacy
Your sessions with me are exactly that ‘YOUR’ sessions. What we discuss remains private and confidential with only a few exceptions. These exceptions are to do with harm to self or others and any legal requirements. I will discuss this in greater detail during our first appointment.
For parents and carers
How it works
A parent or carer can contact me to ask questions or book. I’m also happy to have a short phone call first. Unless specifically requested by the young person our sessions are private and parents are not included.
Consent will be sought from the parent/carer to book and pay for appointments. The client will provide their own consent to counselling unless deemed inappropriate. Parents/carers may also be asked to identify any legal requirements that need to be considered as a part of counselling.
Privacy and what I share with you
Young people are more likely to engage with counselling when they trust it’s a space of their own. While I am happy to discuss general updates and attendance updates with a parent/carer no further details will be discussed unless it is a safety concern. The young person will alwasy know what information I am going to convey before we have a conversation.
If a young person wishes to include you in their sessions this can be discussed on a case by case basis.
What I work with
Young people come for many reasons, including anxiety, overwhelm and burnout, school or friendship difficulties, family change, identity and belonging, and neurodivergent needs, such as masking, sensory overload and social exhaustion. I welcome neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ young people and I take an affirming approach, which means I won’t treat who a young person is as the problem.
What I don’t provide
I’m a counsellor and I don’t provide diagnoses or formal assessments for autism or ADHD. If you’re looking for an assessment, I can talk with you about options. Counselling with me isn’t a crisis service. If a young person is at immediate risk, please call 000. I cannot provide services outside of the scope of my practice to your client in crisis even once working with them but will ensure that safety plans are in place where needed.
Practical information
Sessions are available in-person or online via telehealth. Each session is 60 minutes long. Fees can be found here.
My cancellation policy can be found here.
NDIS funded and concession sessions are available. Please contact me for further discussion on this.
If a young person wishes to undertake Telehealth I will need to have a parent/carer nearby at the beginning of the sessiononly if consent forms have not previously been completed. Parents/carers may be needed at the end of a session to make payment if payment has not been made on time beforehand. I will need to confirm with the young person that they are in a private and safe location, and what that location is in case of emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
Does my teenager have to talk about everything?
No. They choose what to share and the pace we go at.Can I sit in on sessions?
Only if the young person has freely asked you to.What if my child doesn’t want to come?
Forcing a child to therapy is not conducive to a good working relationship. If your child is hesitant to come, I am happy to offer a shorter meet-and-greet session, either in person or via telehealth, to give your child a chance to meet me.Do you work with LGBTQIA+ or neurodivergent young people?
Yes. Neurodivergent Counselling & LGBTQIA+ counselling.Do you work with families?
I do offer sessions with families. Please contact me for more information.Where can we get urgent help?
If a young person is in immediate danger, call 000. For support at any time, Kids Helpline is on 1800 55 1800, and Lifeline is on 13 11 14.
Not sure if I’m the right fit?
Book a free 15-minute call to ask questions first, or book a session directly.