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How children’s counselling provides a safe space for big feelings.
Cass shares how Redkite’s child counselling sessions provided a safe space for her daughters to explore big feelings and improve their emotional and mental wellbeing.
A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the whole family, including siblings. Sometimes the effects of a cancer diagnosis on children are not seen until treatment has finished and life is returning to a new normal.
Rose’s Cancer Diagnosis
Rose and Lily are twin sisters and best friends. In May 2020 when the girls were three-years-old, Rose was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma and sent for treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, leaving her sister Lily and Dad behind in northern NSW.
Rose was an in-patient during the COVID-19 pandemic which meant visitation was highly restricted. Not only were Rose and Lily separated but Cass was also apart from her three-year-old daughter Lily for months. This took a toll on everyone.
It wasn’t until Rose finished treatment, returned home, and things were returning to normal that Cass started noticing changes in both Rose and Lily’s behaviours. The girls were showing signs of severe separation anxiety, were having trouble sleeping, and were struggling with anger and aggression.
Unsure of what to do, Cass reached out to Redkite to enquire about counselling sessions for both girls.
The girls were both shy and scared to leave me, Rose was extremely scared to be separated from me. I couldn’t do anything; I couldn’t walk downstairs without her having to be with me. I couldn’t leave the house without telling her and she would have to come with me everywhere I went.
Children’s Counselling Sessions
Rose and Lily had weekly counselling sessions with Redkite Social Worker Katja over Zoom for three months. It only took a few sessions before Cass started to notice positive changes in the girls’ emotions and behaviour.
“Throughout the sessions, children learn that their feelings are normal and that they’re not alone. This discovery is very powerful and important. We talk, share, do activities and learn coping strategies but we mainly just have a lot of fun together, as having a happy and safe environment is key.”
– Katja, redkite Social worker
Redkite’s children’s counselling sessions are personalised to each child and their unique situation and challenges. Activities are chosen based on a child’s age, personal interests, personality, likes, and dislikes.
Examples of activities include:
Results from Redkite’s counselling sessions
I didn’t expect to see such dramatic changes. I wasn’t expecting them to engage as well as they do. Because they’re both quite high-energy, so keeping them entertained and focused is hard work. The girls love talking to Katja.
“The counselling sessions are definitely worth it. They’ve really helped Lily and Rose and our family. It’s been really impactful for all of us.”
– Cass
To talk to us about our children’s counselling services, contact us using the form below.
Request information And support
We’re ready to help. Please call us on 1800 REDKITE (Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm AEST), or fill out the form below.
Related resources
Kite for Kids: Connecting children diagnosed with cancer
Group for children who have been diagnosed with cancer
Kite for Kids: Connecting children diagnosed with cancer
Group for children who have been diagnosed with cancer
Childhood cancer: Managing strong emotions
Childhood cancer: Managing strong emotions
Receiving a test result, reaching a new milestone or making a change in your child’s treatment can all bring about strong emotions, both positive and negative.
Childhood cancer: Managing strong emotions
Childhood cancer: Managing strong emotions
Receiving a test result, reaching a new milestone or making a change in your child’s treatment can all bring about strong emotions, both positive and negative.
Books to help you talk to children about their big feelings
It can be hard to talk to your children about how their feeling. In this article, our social workers suggest some books that may help your conversations.
Books to help you talk to children about their big feelings
It can be hard to talk to your children about how their feeling. In this article, our social workers suggest some books that may help your conversations.
Talking to children about cancer when a child they know has been diagnosed
This resource is for adults who would like to explain childhood cancer to the children they care for who are aged 8-12. The resource includes age-appropriate answers for common questions children have.
Talking to children about cancer when a child they know has been diagnosed
This resource is for adults who would like to explain childhood cancer to the children they care for who are aged 8-12. The resource includes age-appropriate answers for common questions children have.
