Circles of Support | YWCA

Circles of Support is a counselling service providing therapeutic support, information and psycho education for children and young people aged five to 15 years, and their families. This service aims to strengthen family relationships and improve wellbeing.

The service is:

Child and young person-centred
Circles of Support provides support to children and young people who are experiencing social/emotional/behavioural difficulties that are affecting their well-being and relationships with others around them.

Family-focused
Circles of Support recognises the importance of family and attachment relationships in shaping the lives of children and young people. We understand that what is happening for one family member may affect others.  Circles of Support can provide therapeutic support to some or all family members, as appropriate, or can help families connect with other support services if counselling is not the most appropriate service.

Strengths-based
Circles of Support helps families and individuals draw on their individual and collective strengths to work towards positive changes. The program acknowledges that past experiences affect the present and staff are trained in and experienced with working with families or individuals that have experienced trauma.

Some of the issues that Circles of Support can help address include:

• Challenges around parenting (including step parenting/new partnerships)
• Family communication challenges
• Trauma associated with family violence or abuse
• Social and emotional challenges
• Behavioural concerns at home or school
• Feelings of anxiety or depression

What may need different help

• Serious mental health conditions
• Diagnosing learning difficulties or other neurological difficulties
• Mediating family conflict and family situations where child safety is an ongoing concern
• Managing ongoing family violence or abuse where safety continues to be at risk
• School academic challenges or difficulties

Where your needs would be better met by another service, we can suggest an alternative specialist service designed to meet those needs.

Circles of Support is delivered through counselling rooms in Tuggeranong, Civic and locations across Canberra and can see a child/young person at their school.

Circles of Support is a free service funded through the ACT Government, Community Services Directorate, Child, Youth and Family Services Program.