ACA Registered Counsellor | 20+ Years Experience | Child & Family Specialist
Child & Family Counselling in Mansfield VIC
Specialist support for anxiety, emotional regulation, behaviour and social development in children and adolescents
At Better You HQ, children and families are supported through a specialist, skills-based approach to counselling. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, anxiety, behaviour and everyday social-emotional development, helping children build confidence, resilience and practical tools they can use beyond the therapy room.
We take the time to understand what is driving your child’s experiences, so support feels clear, practical and tailored — not generic.
What We Help With
When your child is struggling, it can be hard to know what’s really going on — or how best to help.
Counselling provides a clear, supportive pathway to better understand your child and help them cope more effectively
Support is available across a range of emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges, including:
Anxiety, stress and worry
Low mood and depression
Big emotions and outbursts
School challenges and avoidance
Behaviour challenges
Social skills and friendships
Neurodivergent support
Emotional regulation and coping skills
Prue Longstaff (BCouns, DipCouns)
Child, Adolescent & Family Counsellor
Prue is an ACA-registered counsellor specialising in child, adolescent and family counselling. Alongside private practice, she works as a school counsellor at Geelong Grammar School — one of Australia’s leading schools.
Based in Mansfield, VIC, she works with children and families to support emotional development, behaviour, and overall wellbeing. With over 20 years’ experience, her work includes child and adolescent mental health.
Prue brings trauma-informed expertise, with training from the Australian Childhood Foundation. She delivers programs developed by leading institutions, including the University of Melbourne. Her approach draws on Dr Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions model — a widely respected framework for supporting children with complex behavioural and emotional needs.
If you’re considering support, you’re welcome to get in touch to discuss what might be helpful for your child.
Why Families Choose Better You HQ
Families choose Better You HQ for support that helps their child — and guidance they can trust.
Support that builds confidence and helps children manage big emotions
Clear guidance for parents — so you know how to support your child at home
A practical, structured approach — not just talking, but real strategies
Over 20 years’ experience supporting children and families
Qualified and registered counsellor (ACA)
If you’re ready to take the next step, support starts with a parent consultation.
Anxiety, Stress & Worry
Is Anxiety Getting in the Way of Your Child's Life?
Anxiety can show up in many ways for children — constant worry, avoidance, meltdowns, physical symptoms, or needing lots of reassurance. Our anxiety support is practical, child-centred, and skills-based, helping children understand what’s happening in their body and mind while learning tools to feel calmer, more confident, and more in control. We work alongside families to create a clear, supportive roadmap forward.
Communicate & Connect
Is Your Child Struggling Socially & Emotionally?
Whether a child is neurodivergent or simply finding school and social situations challenging, navigating friendships and group settings can be worrying and confusing—and real-world practice can feel overwhelming.
Our social skills learning helps kids build social, communication, and behavioural skills—step by step, in a safe and supportive child-focused space. They get to practise real-world connection, conversations, and friendship-building with zero pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinic Hours:
Monday: Geelong Grammar School
Tuesday: Geelong Grammar School
Wednesday: 9am - 4pm
Thursday: 9am - 4pm
Friday: No availability currently
Email: prue@betteryouhq.com.au
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