Services
Parent & Family Support
Practical, compassionate support for parents and carers who want to understand their child's emotions, development and behaviour and respond with confidence.
Who this service is for
- Parents and carers of children aged 0 to 16 years
- Families navigating big feelings, routines or transitions
- Parents of autistic and ADHD children
- Grandparents, kinship and foster carers
- Families adjusting to a new diagnosis or assessment
What this service includes
- One to one parenting support and counselling
- Early childhood support for sleep, feeding, play and care transitions
- Understanding behaviour as communication
- Emotional regulation and co regulation strategies
- Support with meltdowns, anxiety and distress
- School challenges, sibling relationships and family stress
- Parent workshops and small group programs
- Downloadable worksheets, visuals and resources
- A written plan of practical strategies that suit your family
Common reasons families seek support
- Mornings and bedtimes feel harder than they need to
- Your child becomes overwhelmed and you are not sure how to help
- You are adjusting to a new diagnosis or assessment
- You would like strategies that fit your family rather than generic advice
- You feel stretched thin and would like a space of your own
- You learn well alongside other parents
What to expect
- A warm conversation about your family, not a judgement of your parenting
- Time to describe what is happening at home, school or care
- Shared goals, chosen by you
- Simple strategies you can try straight away, with follow up if you would like it
- A calm, private space with no pressure to share more than you wish
- Appointment format
- Online video call or in person in Brisbane
- Session duration
- 50 to 60 minutes for sessions; 90 minutes to a full day for workshops
- Fees
- From $150 per session. Workshop places from $45 per person. Concession rates available for counselling.
- Availability
- Available in Brisbane and online across Australia
Counselling with From the Start is not an emergency or crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact your GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or call 000 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to attend?
Usually not. Most parenting support and counselling sessions are with the adults. If it would help for your child to join part of a session, we will plan that together beforehand.
Is this about making my child behave?
No. Support focuses on understanding your child's needs and building skills and connection, rather than compliance or punishment.
How many sessions will we need?
Some families come once for a specific question. Others prefer ongoing support. There is no minimum number of sessions.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly or send an enquiry.
Can I use my NDIS funding?
If you are an NDIS participant, you may be able to access parenting coaching and early childhood supports under your plan. Please check your plan and speak with your plan manager or the NDIA before booking.