How Do I Know If My Child Needs Counselling?

As a parent, it's natural to worry about your child. Is that sudden moodiness just a phase? Is that anger normal teenage stuff, or something more? You’re not alone in asking these questions. Many parents wonder whether their child needs counselling—and it’s okay to not have all the answers.

Here’s the good news: wondering about it means you have awareness of your child’s needs. Let’s explore some signs that might suggest your child could benefit from some extra support.

1. You’ve noticed changes in their mood or behaviour Every child has off days, but if your child seems persistently sad, anxious, withdrawn, or angry, that’s worth a second look. Maybe they’re snapping more often, or they’re quieter than usual. Trust your instincts—if they’re acting in a way that feels "not like them," it could be time to talk.

2. Something big has happened in their life Life changes like divorce, bereavement, bullying, friendship fallouts, or a house move can hit children harder than we realise. Even when they seem to be coping on the outside, those emotions can build up.

3. School is becoming a struggle Teachers may notice signs before you do. If your child’s grades drop, they’re refusing to go to school, or teachers mention behaviour changes, it's worth digging deeper.

4. They're talking about feeling hopeless, worthless, or overwhelmed These can be red flags, especially if they mention not wanting to be here, self-harm, or feeling like a burden. These feelings deserve immediate, compassionate attention.

5. You just feel something isn’t right Parental intuition is powerful. If something inside you is saying, "I think they need help," it’s okay to explore that. Counselling doesn’t mean something is ‘wrong’—it just means they’re human.

When in doubt, seek support You don’t need a crisis to reach out. Counselling can be a proactive way to help your child build resilience and process life’s challenges in a healthy way.