Connect Social Work in Cootamundra and surrounds

Connect Social Work Cootamundra provides professional, confidential and approachable counselling and social work support to children, young people, adults and families across Cootamundra and surrounding communities.

With a focus on making support accessible locally, Connect Social Work Cootamundra offers a range of services including children’s play-based therapy, adolescent counselling, mental health and wellbeing support, grief and loss counselling, domestic and family violence support, hoarding and squalor support, and social work services for NDIS participants.

Initially, services will be available Mondays and Fridays and delivered as a mobile service, allowing support to be provided flexibly within the local community. As the service grows and community demand increases, there is scope to expand operating days and establish a permanent local premises in Cootamundra.

At the heart of Connect Social Work Cootamundra is a commitment to providing empowering, respectful and person-centred support, helping people feel heard, build on their strengths and create meaningful change in their lives.

Counselling Services

  • Play is a child’s natural way of communicating, exploring and making sense of their world. Play-based therapy provides children with a safe, supportive and engaging space to express themselves in ways that feel comfortable and age-appropriate.

    Through carefully selected play, creative activities, games and therapeutic conversations, children are supported to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences while developing practical skills to manage challenges.

    Play-based therapy can support children experiencing anxiety, worries, grief and loss, family separation or change, friendship difficulties, low confidence, emotional regulation challenges, school-related concerns and other stressful life experiences.

  • The teenage years can bring significant changes, pressures and challenges. Counselling provides young people up to 18 years of age with a confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space to talk about what is happening in their lives and work through the things that may be worrying or overwhelming them.

    Counselling can support teenagers experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, grief and loss, family separation or conflict, friendship and relationship difficulties, bullying, low self-esteem, school pressures, emotional regulation difficulties and major life changes.

  • Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and seeking support can be an important step towards improving your mental health and wellbeing. Counselling provides a confidential, compassionate and non-judgemental space to talk through challenges, understand your thoughts and emotions, and develop practical strategies for moving forward.

    Support is available for people experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, relationship or family difficulties, life transitions, school or workplace pressures, and other challenges affecting everyday wellbeing.

  • Grief can affect people in many different ways, and there is no single or “right” way to respond to loss. Grief and loss counselling provides a compassionate and supportive space for children, teenagers and adults to process their experiences and adjust to changes in their lives.

    Support may be helpful following the death of a loved one, serious or terminal illness, family separation, relationship breakdown, loss of a significant relationship, changes in family circumstances, or other major life transitions.

    Counselling is tailored to each person’s age, needs and individual experience. For children and young people, sessions may incorporate play-based and creative approaches to help them understand and express feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words.

    The focus is on providing a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space to explore emotions, develop healthy ways of coping, strengthen resilience and find a way forward while acknowledging the significance of what has been lost.

  • Experiencing domestic or family violence can have a significant impact on a person’s safety, wellbeing, confidence and relationships. Support is provided in a confidential, compassionate and non-judgemental environment, recognising that every person’s circumstances and decisions are unique.

    Counselling can assist people who are currently experiencing, have previously experienced, or are recovering from domestic and family violence, including coercive control, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse and other controlling behaviours.

    Support is tailored to individual needs and may include emotional support, safety planning, practical assistance, advocacy, connecting with specialist services and supporting children and young people affected by family violence.

  • Trauma-informed care recognises that past and present experiences of trauma can influence the way people feel, respond to situations, build relationships and experience the world around them.

    Rather than asking “What is wrong with you?”, a trauma-informed approach considers “What has happened to you, and what do you need to feel safe and supported?”

    Support is provided with an emphasis on safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment. This means working at a pace that feels manageable, respecting each person’s experiences and boundaries, and recognising the strengths and coping strategies they have developed along the way.

    Trauma-informed principles can be incorporated into counselling and social work support for children, teenagers and adults, particularly those who have experienced abuse, neglect, family violence, loss, disrupted relationships or other distressing life experiences.

  • Social work support can assist NDIS participants to build independence, strengthen everyday skills and increase confidence in managing the challenges that impact their daily lives and participation in the community.

    Working within a capacity-building approach, support is tailored to each participant’s individual goals, strengths and circumstances. This may include developing emotional regulation and coping strategies, building social and communication skills, strengthening relationships, increasing independence, navigating life transitions, developing problem-solving skills and building confidence to engage with community and everyday activities.

    Support may also involve working collaboratively with families, carers and other professionals to help participants develop sustainable strategies and make progress towards their NDIS goals.

    The focus is on providing person-centred, practical and strengths-based support that empowers participants to build skills, increase choice and control, and work towards greater independence and wellbeing.

  • Hoarding and squalor can be complex and sensitive issues that may affect a person’s wellbeing, relationships, safety and ability to manage everyday life. Support is provided in a respectful, compassionate and non-judgemental way, recognising that every person’s circumstances and experiences are different.

    Working collaboratively and at a manageable pace, support can focus on identifying priorities, reducing risks, improving living conditions, developing practical strategies and connecting with other services where needed.

    The emphasis is on building trust and working alongside each person to make realistic and sustainable changes, while respecting their choices, dignity and independence.

    Support may also be provided to families and carers who are navigating the challenges associated with hoarding or squalor.