Supporting children, adolescents and families to navigate mental health, emotional regulation, self-esteem, social connection and school-based challenges through evidence-informed, trauma-informed and neuroaffirming care.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Therapy in Geelong

Hi, my name is Abbey Jones.

I am a Mental Health Social Worker and Mental Health Therapist based in Geelong, supporting children, adolescents and families through a range of mental health and wellbeing needs.

Families often reach out for many different reasons. You may be concerned about your child’s emotions, confidence, friendships, behaviour, school experiences or overall wellbeing. Or you may simply feel they would benefit from having a safe, supportive space to talk, play, reflect and feel understood.

I believe the relationship between a young person and their therapist is the most important part of therapy. When children and adolescents feel safe, understood and accepted for who they are, they are more able to build trust, express themselves openly and begin working through challenges in a way that feels meaningful to them. My approach is warm, genuine, neuro-affirming and down-to-earth. I aim to create a space where young people feel comfortable being themselves.

Every child and family has their own story, strengths, challenges and needs. Because of this, I take an individualised approach to therapy, working alongside each young person and their support system to understand what may be sitting beneath the surface and what support may help them feel more confident, connected and understood.

If you feel I may be the right fit for your child or family, you’re welcome to complete the registration form below.

Complete Registration Form
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Behind the Name

Nova is inspired by the word supernova — a powerful astronomical event in the life cycle of a star.

A supernova can mark the end of a star’s life, but it can also release elements that become part of the formation of new stars and planets. In this way, it represents how endings can give way to new beginnings.

I chose the name Nova Therapy because it reflects the belief that even after life’s most difficult moments, growth, strength and meaning can still emerge.

Nova represents the idea that even after periods of darkness, hope is never truly lost.

At its heart, the name reflects hope, resilience, transformation and new beginnings.

Emotions & Wellbeing

Anxiety
Emotional regulation difficulties
Big feelings and meltdowns
Stress and overwhelm
Grief and loss
Trauma

Confidence & Identity

Self-esteem and confidence
Neurodivergence and identity
Identity and self-understanding
Building resilience and coping skills

School & Social Support

Friendship and social difficulties
School-based challenges
School refusal or avoidance
Social skills and communication

Neurodivergence & Behaviour

Autism and ADHD
Behavioural challenges
Understanding emotions and body cues
Individualised therapy support

Family & Relationships

Family separation and change
Life transitions and adjustment
Parenting support
Attachment and relationship difficulties
Sibling and family dynamics

Areas I Can Support

Individual Therapy

Clinic-Based

One-on-one therapeutic support delivered in a safe, welcoming clinic environment.

School-Based Therapy

Therapy provided within school settings where appropriate, supporting children to build skills in a familiar environment.

Home-Based Therapy

Support delivered within the family home where this best meets the child’s needs.

Telehealth

Flexible online appointments for families who prefer or require remote support.

Parent Support

Guidance and practical strategies to help parents better understand and support their child.

Appointment Options

Trauma-Informed Practice

Understanding behaviour through the lens of experiences, relationships, environment and nervous system responses.

Neuroaffirming Practice

Respecting and supporting neurodiversity while helping young people better understand themselves and thrive in ways that feel authentic to them.

Evidence-Informed Practice

Drawing on evidence-informed therapeutic approaches and focused psychological strategies, including:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Play-Based Therapy
Psychoeducation
Relaxation strategies
Skills training
Interpersonal therapy

Strengths-Based Practice

Helping young people recognise, trust and build upon the strengths, qualities and capacities they already possess.

My Approach

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Mental Health Social Worker Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers Advanced Practice Certificate in Child Mental Health and Trauma Training and professional development in Focused Psychological Strategies Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Psychoeducation Relaxation Strategies Skills Training Interpersonal Therapy Play-Based Therapeutic Approaches Training in Attachment and Trauma Training in Motivational Interviewing Training in Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training in the MARAM Framework Experience in Child and Family Support Experience in Family Violence Support Experience in Mental Health-Related Settings Trauma-Informed Practice Family-Centred Practice Strengths-Based Practice

Qualifications & Professional Background

1

Complete the New Client Registration Form

Complete the online registration form to provide some information about your child, your family and the support you are seeking.

2

Parent-Only Initial Appointment

The first appointment is for parents/carers only. This gives us time to talk openly about your child, what has been happening, what support you are hoping for, and what you would like therapy to help with. This appointment can be held in clinic, by phone or via telehealth.

3

First Appointment With Your Child

The first session with your child focuses on building rapport, helping them feel comfortable, and beginning to understand their world.

4

Ongoing Support

Therapy will continue in a way that is tailored to your child’s needs, strengths and circumstances. Sessions may focus on emotional understanding, coping skills, confidence, connection, behaviour, school-based challenges, family support or other goals identified together.

How to Get Started

Complete Registration Form

Frequently Asked Questions

  • To get started, please complete the New Client Registration Form. This allows you to provide some information about your child, your family and the support you are seeking. Once the form has been submitted, I will review the information and be in touch regarding next steps.

  • Before commencing therapy, families will be asked to complete the New Client Registration Form and intake documents.

    If available, families are also welcome to provide relevant documents such as NDIS plans, assessment reports, therapy reports, behaviour support plans, school reports or individual learning plans. These can help me better understand your child’s needs, but they are not required before reaching out.

  • Yes, Nova Therapy welcomes self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

  • No, a referral is not required to access Nova Therapy.

  • Therapy sessions with children and young people typically run for 50 minutes. Parent-only appointments may be longer, with up to 90 minutes allowed depending on the purpose of the appointment, the information that needs to be discussed, and the level of support required.

  • Appointments may be offered in clinic, at school, at home, or online via telehealth, depending on your child’s needs, location and availability.

  • Yes, school-based and home-based appointments are available where appropriate.

  • The first appointment is usually a parent-only session. This gives us time to talk openly about your child, what has been happening, what support you are hoping for, and what you would like therapy to help with. This appointment can be held in clinic, by phone or via telehealth.

  • After the parent-only initial appointment, an appointment with your child can be arranged. This session focuses on building rapport, helping your child feel comfortable, and beginning to understand their world.

  • This will depend on your child’s age, needs, goals and comfort level. Some sessions may involve parents/carers, some may be with the child individually, and some may include a combination of both.

  • Parent/carer involvement is an important part of therapy, especially when working with children. The level of involvement will depend on your child’s age, needs and goals.

  • This will depend on your child’s age, needs and circumstances. Communication may include a combination of brief email updates, parent-only appointments, shared strategies, goal reviews and collaborative discussions, while also respecting the young person’s privacy and therapeutic relationship.

  • Yes, telehealth appointments are available for parent sessions and may be available for young people where appropriate.

You’re welcome to get in touch if there is something you would like to ask before completing the registration form.

Make an enquiry or email Abbey directly at abbey@novatherapy.com.au

Still have questions?