Bella's Story

"My mental health wasn’t at an optimal level, and I needed support. My previous psychologist was not a good fit for me, and I didn’t feel like I could be open and honest with her. I felt hopeless. My mum encouraged me to go to my first session with a counsellor from Hobsons Bay Youth Services.

"My first session with my counsellor made me feel safe and comfortable. Through counselling I learned techniques to help manage feelings of stress, anxiety, anger, and sadness. Going to counselling is a normal and healthy way to take care of your mental health.

"It's important to find the right counsellor, someone you feel comfortable with, even if it takes meeting a few different people. Be as open and honest as you can, as this helps the counsellor understand and support you better. Counselling is a process that takes time, so be patient with yourself and expect some ups and downs along the way.

"Stick with your sessions regularly, even on days when you don’t feel like going. Try to use the tools and tips your counsellor gives you in your daily life.

"Remember, you are not alone, and it is never too late to seek support."

*Hobsons Bay Youth Services, as part of Hobsons Bay City Council, is a child-safe organisation. To protect the young person’s identity, their name has been changed and a stock image used. Their story has been shared with permission.

Counselling support