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A range of services for children and families

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We offer assistance that is respectful and sensitive to the needs of all individuals regardless of age, gender, financial status, cultural or religious background.

We provide counselling services for:

families

couples

individuals

children and young people

disability carers.

Our Counsellors

Each counsellor has a tertiary qualification in the social sciences field with practical experience in family and relationship counselling. Our counsellors will refer clients to other appropriate services for issues that are outside their field of expertise or where the issue does not fit within the guidelines of this program. Our counselling is confidential (see below) and aims to assist people to develop self-understanding, to explore and resolve their issues and to make changes in their lives.

Services for Carers

Family Relationship Services for Carers provides counselling and services to families caring for a person with a disability. Centacare recognises that taking care of a family member can be challenging. Sometimes carers feel isolated and worry about how they are going to manage it all, now and in the future. Taking care of carers is important.

Please note that this program is provided across our Family & Relationship Services in South East Queensland.

Children and Young People

We offer a range of programs for both primary and high school students. Our services can assist with family breakdown by working directly with young people and their families or caregivers to resolve conflict and improve relationships.

Confidentiality

Counselling is confidential unless limitations apply e.g. where there is a concern for safety or a risk of harm or there is a legal requirement. This can be further clarified with the counsellor in the first session.

Our locations

50 Fairway Dve
Clear Island Waters QLD 4226
Ph: (07) 5527 7211

58 Morgan St
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Ph: (07) 3251 5000

Bernard House, 21 Cornmeal Parade
Maroochydore QLD 4558
Ph: (07) 5430 9300

15 Albert St
Kingaroy QLD 4610
Ph: (07) 4162 5439

6/152 Boatharbour Dve
Pialba QLD 4655
Ph: (07) 4194 0172

Outreach locations

We also provide counselling services in a number of outreach locations including Stones Corner, Paddington, Mitchelton, Chermside, Caboolture and Ipswich. Please call us for more details.

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We offer assistance that is respectful and sensitive to the needs of all individuals regardless of age, gender, financial status, cultural or religious background. We provide counselling services for: families couples individuals children and young people disability carers. Our Counsellors Each counsellor has a tertiary qualification in the social sciences field with practical experience in...

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FREE Online course for parents - Fearless Triple P

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FREE Online course for parents - Fearless Triple P

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Online free course for parents - backed by research evidence

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Is this your family?

Your child (aged 6 to 14 years) has anxiety that is affecting their everyday life. It may stop them, or your whole family, from doing certain activities. Your child may be worried a lot of the time. You may swing between reassuring them and telling them to face their fears. Neither of these seems to work, and their anxiety seems to increase. You may feel like you've tried everything, and possibly may be anxious yourself. If parenting a child with anxiety is affecting your life and you'd like to help your child worry less and be more confident, Fear-Less Triple P can help.

What is Fear-Less Triple P?

Fear-Less Triple P helps you set a good example of coping with anxiety, coach children to become more emotionally resilient, and develop your own toolbox of strategies. You can choose how to best support your child as they learn to manage their anxiety more effectively. Fear-Less Triple P is part of the comprehensive parenting system, the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program ®.

What can I expect from this program?

Fear-Less Triple P encourages you to use practical strategies with all family members, not just the child who seems especially anxious. In this way, the Fear-Less Triple P program helps the whole family. The program is based on research and experiences working with the families of children and teenagers with anxiety for more than 30 years. (Fear-Less Triple P is co-authored by clinical psychologist Vanessa Cobham, a specialist in the field of child anxiety, based at the University of Queensland, Australia.)

Why is it called "Fear-Less"?

It's called "Fear-Less" (not "fearless") because it's not possible (or useful) to completely eliminate fear from our lives. Sometimes fear is reasonable and helps keep us safe. In other words, being "fearless" isn't actually helpful. What we can do, however, is reduce unnecessary fear and worry. This means learning to cope with anxious feelings, and becoming more confident. This is true whether we're adults, teenagers, or children.

How can I do Fear-Less Triple P?

FEAR-LESS TRIPLE P ONLINE

This online, self-paced, interactive positive parenting program will help you support your child to manage their anxiety.
Get started with Fear-Less Triple P Online.
FEAR-LESS TRIPLE P SEMINAR

This is ideal if anxiety is only of mild concern or if you'd like to know more about the Fear-Less program. You go to the seminar with anywhere from 20 to more than a hundred parents. It can be a relief to know other families share your experiences. The seminar takes 2 hours, and you'll get an overview of what anxiety is and what causes it, and a tip sheet with practical strategies you can try at home.
Check to see if Fear-Less Seminars are being offered near you.
GROUP FEAR-LESS TRIPLE P

This comprehensive program is delivered over a number of weeks, or as an intensive 1-day workshop. You're either having significant problems with your child's anxiety or you simply want to know how to encourage your child's emotional resilience and coping skills. Over six sessions, you can cover a range of strategies and exercises that will help you put your plans into action!
Check to see if Group Fear-Less sessions are being offered near you.
FEAR-LESS TRIPLE P - INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

You'll cover all the same material as you would in the Group Fear-Less program, but you do the sessions individually (or as a couple) with your provider. The times of the sessions can be worked out to suit you and your provider, to make it easier for everyone!
Check to see if a provider near you offers Fear-Less Triple P individual sessions.

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Fear-Less Triple P - If your child is anxious

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Support your child's or teenager's coping skills to help them overcome anxiety and be more confident and emotionally resilient. Learn a range of strategies and choose what works for your family. You can do the online program, or attend a group or individual session if these are offered in your area.

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FREE online course for parents on supporting your child through separation

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FREE online course for parents on supporting your child through separation

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The positive parenting program that’s already used in 40+ U.S. states

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Help your kid reach their potential and take on challenges while improving your confidence too - with positive parenting support from Triple P.

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FREE online course on being a friendship coach

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FREE online course on being a friendship coach

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FREE Parent resources on friendship skills

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The Rainbow House Grief Education & Support for Children

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When little people are dealing with big feelings, from big life changes ... we are here. The Rainbow House Grief Explorer's Program provides support, education and community for children aged 7 to 11 dealing with grief and loss. Currently, we offer a five session small group program held onsite over five weeks with intakes each school term. The Rainbow House Grief Explorers teaches children that life involves change. When life is not as it was before, it can seem like part of us is now missing. Participants gain an understanding of what grief might look like and that while each grief experience is unique to the individual, it also happens in the life of others. With peer sharing and support, their grief is normalised and they no longer feel alone.

After a child experiences a big life change teamed with loss, it can be quite daunting now having to go to a new unknown place. This is one reason why our Grief Explorer's Program includes Rainbow House Buddies. Each child is individually assisted as they tell their story and deal with any "unfinished business" around the loss or change. A supportive space is provided for them to safely express the full range of their feelings, including anger. Feelings are not judged to be good or bad. To assist healing, the loss is commemorated and new life skills are established. We believe this helps children to move forward in life with restored confidence. Having the ability to make healthy life choices, invest in new relationships without fear and be resilient in times of further change.

The Rainbow House's programs and resources are based on psychoeducation, it differs from therapy as we do not keep any transcripts or records of participants work for analysis. Our focus is on educating the individual ... helping them gain greater understanding and the development of life skills so they achieve better mental and emotional well-being.

Parents and Caregivers with a child attending our Grief Explorer's Program are welcome to take part in our concurrent Parent's Program. This peer-based, group support aims to help parents and caregivers address their grief while educating them on how to provide support for their child through the family's grief journey.

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Grief Explorers | The Rainbow House Grief Education & Support for Children

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The Rainbow House Grief Explorers provides support, education and community for children aged 7 to 11 dealing with grief and loss. We offer a free 5 session small group program held onsite over 5 weeks with intakes each school term.

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Free or low cost online program

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Cool Kids Online Registration
About Cool Kids Online

This engaging, interactive online program for 7 to 12 year olds allows parents and children to work together to learn strategies to help manage anxiety. Cool Kids Online is based on the Cool Kids face-to-face program which has been running at Macquarie University since 1993. Results show most young people who complete our program experience significant improvements, with decreases in worry, fear, family distress and life interference.

Who is Cool Kids Online for?

Cool Kids Online is suitable for a child if:

they are 7 to 12 years old (for 13-17 years old view our teen program Chilled Out )

anxiety is significantly affecting his or her day-to-day life,

they and their parent can read and write in English (e.g. read a magazine or newspaper and complete written forms),

they reside in Australia, and

the family has internet access at home.

What does Cool Kids Online involve?

Cool Kids Online consists of 8 online lessons for parents and children to complete together over 10 weeks. Topics covered in the program include:

Learning about feelings and anxiety

Fighting fear by facing fear (stepladders)

Detective thinking, and learning to think more realistically

Building assertiveness and dealing with teasing

Helpful ways of coping when upset

Our clinic is currently evaluating the effectiveness of the Cool Kids Online Program with different types of therapist support (i.e. self-guided, therapist-supported or optional therapist support).

Stages of the Cool Kids Online Research Program

1. Initial assessment - online questionnaires and a telephone interview are completed by child and parent to determine whether Cool Kids Online is likely to be suitable and beneficial for the child's needs. Includes a telephone debrief with a psychologist.

2. Treatment program - A 10-week online treatment program (immediately or after a 10-week wait) that you complete at home. During the online program you will randomly receive different types of therapist support (self-guided OR therapist-supported OR optional therapist support).

3. Follow up assessments - telephone interviews and online questionnaires completed by child and parent to assess progress.

Program costs

In return for participation in our research, there are no costs associated with assessment and treatment for the Cool Kids Online Research Program.

How can I participate?

If you would like your child assessed for Cool Kids Online please complete the online registration form. We will then contact you to set up the initial assessment. You can access the registration form here.

How can I find more information?

More information is available in the Cool Kids Online Research program flyer. A comparison of Cool Kids Online vs Chilled Out is also available.

If you have further questions, please contact us at coolkids.online@mq.edu.au or on 02 9850 8832.

Content owner: Centre for Emotional Health Last updated: 03 Sep 2020 10:16pm

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Cool Kids Online Registration This engaging, interactive online program for 7 to 12 year olds allows parents and children to work together to learn strategies to help manage anxiety. Cool Kids Online is based on the Cool Kids face-to-face program which has been running at Macquarie University since 1993.

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Wesley Kids is a child and family mental health service in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where children and their families can access support and understanding in a safe and friendly environment.

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Children can be deeply affected by loss

They may experience many emotions like:

What you can do to help

Here are some tips to help you support a child who is experiencing grief and loss:

Offer support, reassurance and comfort

Find time to do enjoyable things together

Acknowledge or help them name or identify their feelings

Let them know they are loved and will always be cared for

Assure them that what's happened is not their fault

Help them create a diary, memory box or special book to remember the person

Maintain normal routines to help them feel secure

Let them know that it's ok to play, be happy and have fun

Allow them to ask questions and talk about their loss as much as they want to

Encourage them to talk to a caring adult if they feel uneasy talking to you

Provide clear and age appropriate answers to their questions

Keep things as familiar as you can (school, pets and household possessions)

Talk about your feelings and how you've been coping with them

Try to include them in decision-making when it directly affects them

Inform the school of what's happened so they can provide additional support

Tell them that it is ok to be happy when they have a good memory of the person

Help them find ways to express their feelings through play, writing, drawing, music

Encourage them to spend time with friends

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Supporting a child through grief and loss

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They may experience many emotions like: Here are some tips to help you support a child who is experiencing grief and loss: Offer support, reassurance and comfort Find time to do enjoyable things together Acknowledge or help them name or identify their feelings Let them know they are loved and

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Website and phone support service for parents

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Website and phone support service for parents

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Phone 1300301300

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Have you contacted Parentline in the last six months? We'd love to hear your feedback!

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Our Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) specialises in helping infants, children and young people up to the age of 18 who have complex mental health needs. We provide community- and hospital-based services, outreach and telepsychiatry programs, early intervention, forensic and other specialty services to more than 2,500 children and young people each year.

We work collaboratively and in a recovery-oriented way with infants, children and young people and their families. This means we recognise and help build on individual and family strengths for better health and wellbeing. By working together, we support children and young people to get back on track to reach their optimal mental health.

We have community-based CYMHS teams working across the Greater Brisbane and Pine Rivers regions supporting local communities in our catchment area, but also provide outreach services and support across Queensland through our specialist programs.

Helping the whole family

Your stories

Read these real stories from young people, parents and carers who have been helped by CYMHS.

Do you or someone you know need help? Here's what to do and who to contact.

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Mental health services Our Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS) specialises in helping infants, children and young people up to the age of 18 who have complex mental health needs. We provide community- and hospital-based services, outreach and telepsychiatry programs, early

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Centacare acknowledges the occupation and care of the land, waterways and sea by Traditional Custodians and their continual cultural connection to Country as expressed through their history, music, language, songs, art and dancing. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as having the oldest continuing cultures on the planet. To view our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) visit here.

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Centacare acknowledges the occupation and care of the land, waterways and sea by Traditional Custodians and their continual cultural connection to Country as expressed through their history, music, language, songs, art and dancing. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as having the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

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Free online phone and online counselling for children and youth.

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Kids Helpline | Phone & Web Counselling | Ages 5-25

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Information and support for adults online and over the phone.

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This website has been established to provide information about anxiety, depression and suicide to the Australian community. The website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your own circumstances. You should not disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of any information contained on this website.

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Beyond Blue | 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention

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Beyond Blue is here to help - whether you're seeking mental health info or qualified support for you or someone else. Find a life beyond the blues today.

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Sleep is vital for children's growth, learning and development. Having a good sleep every night makes your child happier, helps them to concentrate and remember things, and improves their behaviour.

How much sleep do children need?

The amount of sleep we need changes with age. Everyone is different, but as a guide, children need the following amounts of sleep every night:

Ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours

Ages 6 to 13: 9 to 11 hours

Ages 14 to 17: 8 to 10 hours

Getting enough sleep is vital for your child's physical health, brain function, emotional wellbeing, safety, and ability to function day to day. Not having enough sleep or not sleeping well can affect how children learn and lead to mood swings and behavioural problems.

Tips to help children sleep well

Getting enough sleep is as important for your child as healthy eating and exercising. Here are some tips to help your child fall asleep, stay asleep and get enough good quality sleep.

Establish a sleep schedule: Make sure your child goes to bed early enough to get the sleep they need. Once you have set an appropriate bed time, stick to it - even at the weekend.

Establish a bedtime routine: Follow the same routine every day: bath or shower, change into pyjamas, brush teeth, read or spend quiet time in their bedroom, lights out and go to sleep.

Help your child wind down: Busy children need some time to relax. Consider playing soft music or reading to them.

Make sure the bedroom is suitable for sleep: Ensure the bedroom is dark and quiet. If your child is anxious or afraid at night, use a night light.

Avoid stimulants: Make sure your child avoids tea, coffee, chocolate or sports drinks, especially in the afternoon.

Turn off technology: Turning off computers, tablets and television 1 hour before bedtime should help your child sleep better.

Signs of sleep problems

If you establish good sleep habits and your child is still having trouble falling or staying asleep, they might have a sleep problem. You might notice behaviour problems, difficulty concentrating or they might seem tired during the day.

Signs of sleep problems include:

If you think your child may have a sleep problem, talk to your doctor.

More information and resources

Visit the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website for information and resources about sleep for children up to 5 years old and the Raising Children Network website for children of any age.

Sleep Clock for children

Download the ' Sleep Clock' activity from the Sleep Help Foundation to help your children maintain a good night's sleep.

Last reviewed: December 2017

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Sleep is vital for children's growth, learning and development. Having a good sleep every night makes your child happier, helps them to concentrate and remember things, and improves their behaviour. The amount of sleep we need changes with age.

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Phone and text support available 21/7.

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Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.

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Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

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FREE Triple P including parenting during COVID-19

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This is the toolkit you'll rely on for years to come. Adapt the techniques to help you through all kinds of situations. With all these positive parenting strategies, you'll be set for a lifetime of raising kids.

EXTRA MODULE:
PARENTING DURING
COVID-19

Tips and strategies to support
you and your family right now.

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Parenting program proven to work | Triple P Online - Triple P Positive Parenting Queensland

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This is the toolkit you'll rely on for years to come. Adapt the techniques to help you through all kinds of situations. With all these positive parenting strategies, you'll be set for a lifetime of raising kids. Tips and strategies to supportyou and your family right now.

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GoZen Online - Supporting your child with anxiety and worry

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GoZen Online - Supporting your child with anxiety and worry

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Free resources plus fee for service online program for children

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Award-winning Anxiety & Anger Relief Programs for Kids

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Anxiety and Anger are tough emotions! Teach kids skills to build resilience using the GoZen! programs.

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Covering a wide range of topics including child development, behaviour and wellbeing.

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Free meditations for parents

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Free coping resources

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Not a fan of reading? Dr Russ Harris has prepared Acceptance and Commitment Therapy podcasts and audio recordings. Click here.

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Family and Child Connect can help with a range of family and parenting challenges. We'll talk with you about your situation and work out the type of support you might find helpful.

We can connect you to local services that can help with:

managing your child's behaviour (e.g. skipping school, running away from home, homework, tantrums)

building better family relationships

stopping any violence at home

budgeting and managing money

alcohol, drug or gambling problems

housing, health care or access to other community or government services.

You can use this service as often as you need. There is no limit and no cost.

Every family is different so when you speak with us you will get advice and support specific to your situation.

What happens when I call?

When you contact Family and Child Connect you'll speak with an experienced family support worker who will listen to your concerns and undertake a full assessment of your family's situation.

We may be able to help you in just one phone call - either by providing advice or referring you to a support service - or we might arrange to visit you at home or a safe place to talk. You can also work with a domestic violence support worker.

In some areas, there are family support services run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Most family support services can offer families the choice of working with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander family support worker.

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You love your kids but sometimes things get tough and you need a bit of help. Every family faces challenges at some point. We connect you to the support you need to make things better for you and your family. It's confidential, free and worth the call.

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Collaborative Proactive Solutions to behavioural concerns

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Collaborative Proactive Solutions to behavioural concerns

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All kids have times when they struggle to handle expectations. How they express that they're struggling has an outsized impact on how adults respond. Some kids communicate that they're having difficulty meeting certain expectations through whining, pouting, sulking, crying, or withdrawing. They're the "lucky" ones, for these behaviors are likely to be responded to with empathy, nurturance, and support. Others - the "unlucky" ones - communicate that they're having difficulty meeting expectations in ways that are more troubling, like screaming, swearing, hitting, kicking, biting, and spitting. Regrettably, these behaviors are less likely to elicit empathy, nurturance, and support from caregivers.

But whether lucky or unlucky, the concerning behavior is communicating the same thing: there's an expectation the child is having difficulty meeting. And that means that there's a problem that needs to be solved. In the CPS model, the problem solving is collaborative and proactive.

The best place to begin is with the Guided Tour, which will take you through the three key facets of the CPS model. Demonstration videos will help you to understand your child's concerning behaviors, how to identify unsolved problems, and how to start solving problems collaboratively and proactively. When you're ready to get started, click below.

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All kids have times when they struggle to handle expectations. How they express that they're struggling has an outsized impact on how adults respond. Some kids communicate that they're having difficulty meeting certain expectations through whining, pouting, sulking, crying, or withdrawing. They're the "lucky" ones, for these behaviors are likely to be responded to with empathy, nurturance, and support.

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Free online program for children with anxiety and their parents

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Behaviour clinic

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Resources for helping with anxiety

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Hey Sigmund | Anxiety in Teens | Helping a Child with Anxiety

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We know that anxiety can be tough for anyone. And that's what Hey Sigmund is all about. We're here to help you deal and fight anxiety.

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" Make Your Worrier a Warrior is simply the best, most useful, and most approachable book on this subject I have ever read. Dr. Peters has that magic knack for reducing complex information to essential elements that can be mastered by anyone. Down-to-earth, straightforward, and nonjudgmental, this book has it all"â€from recognizing a problem and its likely causes to practical, real-life strategies to conquer the Worry Monster that dwells in all of us, especially our kids. I highly recommend it."

- Dr. Dean Edell, physician, author, and former radio/television host

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Dr. Dan Peters: Make Your Worrier a Warrior books

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" Make Your Worrier a Warrior is simply the best, most useful, and most approachable book on this subject I have ever read. Dr. Peters has that magic knack for reducing complex information to essential elements that can be mastered by anyone.

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Family Support

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We help Queenslanders find pathways to safety, away from domestic, family and sexual violence. We provide emergency transport and accommodation for your entire family including pets. We also provide safety planning, crisis counselling, intervention, information and referrals at no cost to you. We operate bridging accommodation residence Bella's Sanctuary, a safe haven for victim survivors to heal and rebuild their lives. We also educate through our Workplace Domestic and Family Violence Training program.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Normal operation. Adhering to Government guidelines.
Free Call 1800 811 811 Learn More

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Domestic Violence Helpline. Call 1800 811 811 for help escaping violence

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We help Queenslanders find pathways to safety, away from domestic, family and sexual violence. We provide emergency transport and accommodation for your entire family including pets. We also provide safety planning, crisis counselling, intervention, information and referrals at no cost to you.

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Children can experience grief and loss from a very young age. Like adults, children have their own ways of grieving. It is important to recognise that your child has feelings of grief and to help them express those feelings.

Talking to children about loss and grief

While it can be difficult to talk to a child about death, it is important to be honest with them and help them to understand what has happened.

Some suggestions include:

Tell the truth in a simple, direct way.

Use concrete words that children know - for example, say 'died' rather than 'passed away'.

If the child is quite young, it may help to use pictures, storybooks, toys and play to explain what has happened and how they feel.

Explore with children the meaning they may make out of the situation. This may include spiritual and cultural beliefs and practices.

Children are curious, so be prepared for regular and repeated questions. Be clear and honest with your responses.

If you are too distressed to answer your child's questions, ask another adult that you and the child trust to talk to the child.

Don't pretend that you are not sad - express your feelings to your child. This can help your child feel able to express their own feelings.

Children's reactions to loss and grief

Like adults, children can be deeply affected by loss and grief experiences. While everyone has different ways of grieving, common grief reactions in children may include:

grieving in doses, for example, crying one minute, then playing the next

acting out feelings rather than talking

changes in eating, sleeping and behaviour patterns

wanting to sleep in bed with an adult

displaying younger behaviours such as wetting the bed or sucking their thumb

being angry, frustrated and restless

lacking concentration and energy at school

feeling responsible for their parents.

Sharing grief with children

Even at a very young age, children can sense and experience grief. They will be aware if their parents or other adults are sad or having difficulties with a particular situation. Sharing your feelings of sadness and loss with a child can help them understand why you are sad and see that it is alright to be sad and to express their sadness.

Death can also cause children to worry about their parents or themselves dying. Reassure them that everyone is safe and make sure that they are cared for during times of grief.

It is important to remain open and willing to talk about the various experiences of loss and grief. As children grow and develop, they will have different reactions to grief. A child who doesn't react to or talk about a death or significant loss in the early stages may want to talk about it later or may show their interest and feelings in play rather than discussion.

Where to get help

Your

Your local community health centre, hospital or palliative care service

A trained bereavement counsellor

Tel. - for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)

- bereavement counselling and support services Tel. or

- telephone counselling Tel. (24 hours, 7 days)

- crisis support and suicide prevention services Tel. (24 hours, 7 days)

- 8 am to 12 midnight, 7 days a week, Tel.

Tel. - for counselling, crisis intervention, information and referral (24 hours, 7 days)

provide a helpline Tel. (6am - midnight AEST) and online forums for those dealing with grief.

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Children can experience grief and loss from a very young age. Like adults, children have their own ways of grieving. It is important to recognise that your child has feelings of grief and to help them express those feelings.

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What are grief and loss?

Grief is a natural response to loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, relationship, pregnancy, pet, job or way of life. Other experiences of loss may be due to children leaving home, infertility and separation from friends and family. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be.

Grief is expressed in many ways and it can affect every part of your life; your emotions, thoughts and behaviour, beliefs, physical health, your sense of self and identity, and your relationships with others. Grief can leave you feeling sad, angry, anxious, shocked, regretful, relieved, overwhelmed, isolated, irritable or numb.

Grief has no set pattern. Everyone experiences grief differently. Some people may grieve for weeks and months, while others may describe their grief lasting for years. Through the process of grief, however, you begin to create new experiences and habits that work around your loss.

Download the grief and loss factsheet

Getting through grief and loss

Grief is something that takes time to work through. While everyone finds their own way to grieve it's important to have the support of friends and family or someone else, and to talk about your loss when you need to.

What you can do to help yourself

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling, or consider joining a support group.

Take care of your physical health. Grieving can be exhausting, so it's important to eat a healthy diet, exercise and sleep.

Manage stress - lighten your load by asking friends, family members or work colleagues to help you with some chores or commitments. Relaxation and gentle exercise can be helpful.

Do things you enjoy, even if you don't really feel like doing them.

How to help a person who is experiencing grief and loss

Many people do not know what to say or do when trying to comfort someone who is grieving. However, often it is the simple offer of love and support that is the most important.

Ask how they're feeling. Each day can be different for someone who is grieving; take the time to listen and understand what they are going through.

Talk about everyday life too. Their loss and grief does not have to be the focus of all your conversations.

Ask them how you can help. A few home cooked meals, doing the shopping, or perhaps offering to go walking or do something enjoyable with them can all help someone through their grief.

Encourage them to seek professional support if their grief does not seem to be easing over time.

Is it depression?

Grief and depression are quite different but they can appear similar as they can both lead to feelings of intense sadness, insomnia, poor appetite and weight loss. Depression stands out from grief as being more persistent, with constant feelings of emptiness and despair and a difficulty feeling pleasure or joy.

If you notice that depression symptoms continue, or your grief begins to get in the way of how you live, work, share relationships or live day-to-day, then it's important to get support or professional help.
Learn more about the symptoms of depression

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Grief is a natural response to loss. It might be the loss of a loved one, relationship, pregnancy, pet, job or way of life. Other experiences of loss may be due to children leaving home, infertility and separation from friends and family. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be.

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Separation means the ending of an intimate partner relationship. This includes the end of a marriage, defacto relationship or other personal relationships.

It is often a difficult time, and you may feel unsure about what to do next.

This section provides information and support for people whose relationship is ending. It includes useful tips about how to look after yourself, services to help and the basics about family law.

Services like counselling and family mediation are available to help people who are separating. These services can help people to make arrangements for children and money without going to a family law court.

Last updated:

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Separation means the ending of an intimate partner relationship. This includes the end of a marriage, defacto relationship or other personal relationships. It is often a difficult time, and you may feel unsure about what to do next. This section provides information and support for people whose relationship is ending.

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School-age friendships: how to support them

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School friends are important for kids. Support friendships by organising playdates. For friendship troubles, try social reminders or talking to the teacher.

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Help your child manage anxiety and become more emotionally resilient. This full toolkit of tips and ideas really works!

Get a better understanding of anxiety and fear and what can be done about it

Know what to do when your child is anxious or upset

A whole range of tools and strategies based on proven principles

Australian program, university-developed by child psychologists

You choose what works for you - adapt to suit your family, your values

Videos and fun interactive learning on your phone, tablet or computer

24/7 online, at your place, at your pace

Start tackling your child's anxiety today

Get the general positive parenting online course for parents/carers of under 12s instead.

Help children develop their own toolkit of coping skills to overcome anxiety

Break the cycle of anxiety and avoidance, in a safe and gradual way

Understand what's within your control to change

Improve your relationship with your children

Enjoy family life more!

Try it out for yourself - start within minutes

The Fear-Less Triple P Program is part of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program. Fear-Less isn't about eliminating fear altogether - sometimes, fear protects us. Instead, it's about giving your family a toolbox of strategies, skills, and knowledge to manage anxious feelings and stop unnecessary worrying. Fear-Less Triple P is based on extensive research with families of anxious children by clinical psychologists. It can work for you too - and now it's online!

Why is Fear-Less Triple P Online free in Australia?

Delivery of the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program ® to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.

Does Triple P really work?

Triple P is one of the few parenting programs in the world with evidence to show it works. There are literally hundreds of trials and studies to show Triple P works for most families, in many different cultures, and in many different family situations. Triple P Online is also the first online parenting program proven to work.

How long will it take me to do the Triple P Online course?

Each module of the Triple P Online Course only takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You don't need to do it all in one block, either. Some people prefer to just do ten or fifteen minutes a day. There are 8 modules in Triple P Online. The Fear-Less Triple P Online course has 6 modules. There's also an extra Parenting During Uncertain Times module in each, to help with issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. So if you start today and do one or two modules each week, you'll be finished in about a month! Of course, it's totally up to you. If you want to take it more slowly, take a break, or go back and revisit a previous module, that's all fine too.

Is my data safe?

Triple P International takes your privacy and data protection very seriously. We have rigorous IT security systems and procedures. We don't share your information with any third-party marketing organisations or unauthorised personnel. Your email address and region are visible to our administration team. Your progress may be visible to a system administrator in case you need to change your email address. All other family information within the program is anonymised. If you'd like more information, please review our privacy policy.

Should both parents do the course?

It's helpful, but it's not essential. Triple P is used very successfully by single parents. When more than one parent, step-parent, or a parent and another carer, does the course it helps everyone work as a team to make changes. This includes grandparents and other family members, and even ex-partners, if they also care for your children. It makes it easier to communicate better about parenting, argue and disagree less, and support each other more. If you want both parents to have their own workbook and certificate, you need to request two access codes.

I've got a question that's not covered here

One of the great things about Triple P is that it's not about telling you what to do in every situation. It's about helping you feel confident that you can work out what to do. This will be based on what you learn about child or teen development and the strategies you've picked up, and your ability to review and refine. So if your question's about parenting, we suggest you go ahead and do the program! If it's about something else to do with Triple P, you may want to try contacting us using this website's contact details, via our social media channels, or through your local Triple P support service.

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Online parenting course - help kids overcome anxiety | Fear-Less Triple P

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Help your child manage anxiety and become more emotionally resilient. This full toolkit of tips and ideas really works!

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Low cost program for parents with anxious young children

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Low cost program for parents with anxious young children

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A parenting program that aims to increase the confidence of young children, so that they have fewer anxiety problems as they grow.

Cool Little Kids Online is adapted from the Cool Little Kids group parenting program, which has been safely and effectively used in Australia for over 10 years. Parents have found it helpful for improving young children's fear and anxiety about:

Saying hello/goodbye

Separating from parents (e.g. at preschool)

Playing with unfamiliar people (e.g. playdates, parties)

Trying new activities (e.g. swimming lessons)

Going to sleep

Cool Little Kids Online is a web-based program designed to increase your knowledge and build practical skills.

The program contains 8 'modules' with easy to read information, practical skills, videos and stories from other parents who have done the program. Each module takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. The program does require a commitment of your time and effort-but the reward will be worth it-a more confident, less fearful child!

Information

You'll gain insight into why your child is shy, the links between shyness and anxiety, and how to prevent anxiety problems

Practical skills

You'll learn practical skills on what to do when your child is worried or scared and how to encourage their bravery

Real stories

You'll hear from real parents who have done the program, what they learned and how they developed new skills

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A parenting program that aims to increase the confidence of young children, so that they have fewer anxiety problems as they grow. Cool Little Kids Online is adapted from the Cool Little Kids group parenting program, which has been safely and effectively used in Australia for over 10 years.

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Helping Children Cope with Divorce - CoD-CoD

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CoD-CoD helps children ages 11+ cope with divorce in a healthy way. Online coping program for children of divorce.

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Relationships Australia Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of Australia. We support Aboriginal people's right to self-determination and culturally safe services.

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This booklet helps parents to support their children through the process of separation.

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What is NewAccess?
NewAccess is a free and confidential mental health program, developed by Beyond Blue and delivered by Primary and Community Care Services (PCCS). It's designed to support people 16 years and over who may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed about the challenges in life. Challenges can range from work or relationship issues to the distress associated with emergencies and disasters such as bushfire, drought or flood.
Why you'll love NewAccess

It's free, so no out of pocket expenses

The structured six session program gives you practical tools

You work with a local coach, trained in low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, who will guide you through a tailored, personal program

It's completely confidential

No doctor's referral or mental health treatment plan is required

It's available via phone, video call or face to face

Please enquire below or call us on 07 3186 4000

Eligibility

You may be eligible for NewAccess if you:

live in an area that delivers the NewAccess program

you're the correct age for your region (some regions service 12+, 16+ or 18+).

Unfortunately, you will not able to use the service if you are;

currently seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist

dealing with severe/complex presentations.

Sometimes it's not evident until the initial assessment if NewAccess will meet the needs of the person. If NewAccess is not suitable for you based on your circumstances, symptoms or condition, you will be referred to a GP or another service better suited to your needs.

Enquire here

NewAccess service during the coronavirus pandemic

NewAccess will support people while following safe physical-distancing advice.

Our providers will continue to offer coaching via video or phone call during the coronavirus pandemic. Many providers are now back to face to face sessions, so please check with your provider directly to find out what options are available.

Remember, you don't need a doctor's referral to access this service, just enquire directly today.

In the below video, Brenton talks about his experience with NewAccess:

You can access more stories from people who have been through the NewAccess program here. You can also read through our frequently asked questions. To see all available regions, visit our Find A Coach page.

NewAccess is NOT a crisis service. It is an early intervention program designed to support people early and prevent potential crises down the track.

If you require immediate support or advice, please call the Beyond Blue Support Service 24/7 on 1300 224 636. If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 000.

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NewAccess is a free and confidential mental health program, developed by Beyond Blue and delivered by Primary and Community Care Services (PCCS). It's designed to support people 16 years and over who may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed about the challenges in life.