Individual Counselling

Our experienced and compassionate therapists are dedicated to helping you thrive. Whether you're facing personal challenges or aiming to improve your well-being, we are here to support you. Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step towards a happier and healthier life.

We offer several therapy foundations through our practice:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): An evidence-based therapy that focuses on recognising how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours impact each other and contribute to problems. We work on developing skills to challenge negative thought patterns and plan experiments to make positive changes.
Compassion Focused Therapy: Useful for addressing shame and self-criticism, this therapy aims to develop self-compassion and compassion for others, regulating emotions, and experiencing safety, self-acceptance, and comfort.
Attachment Based Therapy: This therapy explores the impact of early life experiences and relationships on current relationships and emotional well-being, with a focus on rebuilding trust and secure relationships.

Meet the Therapists:

Melissa Philbrook - Accredited Social Worker with AASW
Melissa has 21 years of experience supporting individuals and families through various challenges, utilising evidence-based interventions such as CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and more.

Jodie Hines - Family Therapist
Jodie specialises in working with families and individuals within a family system, addressing conflicts, improving communication, and strengthening relationships. She tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each family.

What to Expect

In our counselling work, we begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of your family history and the challenges you'd like support with, as well as identifying your strengths. Together, we set clear goals for the changes you want to see in your life and discuss the frequency and number of sessions required to achieve those goals.

We offer both face-to-face and online counselling options to suit your needs. For more information about our therapeutic services and associated costs, please contact us on (02) 9528 2933.

Latest

Tuning into Teens Abridged - Commencing 7 May 2024 *SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY

The Family Co. is offering an abridged version of the popular Tuning in to Teens program. This 4-week parent education workshop series helps parents of tweens/teens aged 10-18 years reduce conflict, increase communication, and recognise, understand and respond to their teenager's emotions as well as their own. The group starts on Tuesday 7th May 2024 from 6-8pm and will be held at The Family Co. in Jannali. Please note this program is for SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY
Circle of Security for First Nations Families

The Circle of Security Parenting program is an 7 week parenting course, offered FREE by The Family Co and Lilli Pilli Counselling. The course is held each Thursday from 16th May - 27th June from 10am - 12:00pm at South Sydney PTS. This is specifically for you if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have children that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Creating Partnerships with Impact

The Family Co. has cultivated a profound and enduring partnership with Southern Waters Legal that goes beyond mere financial support to create impact in the community
Bequests - Leave a Gift in your Will

Leaving a gift in your Will, no matter how big or small, will help give vulnerable children, women and families the opportunity to thrive well into the future.

Healing Connections Program

This 8 week program works with parents to learn the skills to create an emotionally safe environment and to understand that children heal within secure and caring relationships. It includes combined therapeutic strategies, parent learning sessions, individual counselling and family sessions.
Anxiety Therapy for Children

We offer our Parenting and Family Therapy model to support parents to know what anxiety is and how to help your child to build resilience have confidence to face challenges out in the world. We initially work with parents to develop their knowledge, and then work with parents and children together to develop skills and strategies that you can continue to use to deal with current concerns as well as in the future.
Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a creative approach led by the client, providing an opportunity to explore and express themselves through art in a safe and contained environment. Combining verbal and non-verbal communication, clients can explore their internal experiences, emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, and develop skills to enhance relationships. Each session is tailored to the client's goals, individual interests, and capabilities. Available for both children and Adults,
Family Counselling

In family therapy the client is the family as a whole unit and recognises that the dynamics and interactions within the family influence the wellbeing of each member. The family therapist aims to create a safe and supportive environment where all family members can express their thoughts, feelings and concerns to address and resolve conflicts, improve communication and strengthen relationships.
Parent Counselling

Provides a mix of psychoeducation and creative family sessions to support parents to feel more confident in understanding and knowing how to support their children. Our work is based on experts in the areas of parenting and children’s mental health and the latest understanding from the fields of neuroscience and psychology.

Group Programs Schedule

Each term, we publish a calendar of events for programs we offer. This includes our Parenting Support Programs, Early Childhood and Educational Support Programs and Domestic Violence Support Programs.
About Us

We exist because all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections and opportunities to thrive in life.
How to Refer

Help is easy to access. You can be referred by a health professional or another agency, or self-refer. Just call us on (02) 9528 2933 and tell us what you need help with.
Family Caseworker Program

Family Workers provide assistance to families who, for a variety of reasons, would benefit from additional support.
Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to help us! We're a lean and specialised team, and while we don't allow volunteers in client facing capacities, we are very grateful to have volunteers who can assist with admin, marketing and events. If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you!
About Toolbox Talks

Find out more about the Toolbox Talks Project - How it started, our goals, and what we've already achieved.
Learning about Australian Animals sparks joy in Djanaba kids

Last week the Djanaba Occasional Care team integrated a learning unit on Australian Animals, with the children showing great interest in the varied activities from reading, to art, to games, that helped them learn all about koalas, kangaroos, and other native fauna.
Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

The Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (SSWDVCAS) provides information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland and Kogarah Local Courts for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
Play and Connect

Play and Connect is a free playgroup for families with children aged 0-5, and operates every Thursday morning during school terms at The Family Co centre in Jannali. This supportive group provides opportunity for families to connect with their child through fun, interactive activities, sensory play and art.
Youth Programs & Services

The Family Co. Youth Services offer information, support and programs for young people, schools and families. Our experienced staff aim to support young people to strengthen and foster relationships and develop resilience and life skills. We offer a range of programs and services that help young people become self-aware, understand and explore their potential, and be present and connected in their community.