Supporting Children and Teens Through School Refusal: How Therapy Can Help
In recent years, school refusal, now often called “school can’t”, has become an increasingly common issue for children and teenagers across Australia. As a Brisbane-based counsellor with over 10 years of experience supporting school-aged children and teens, I’ve worked closely with families navigating this complex and distressing challenge. The good news is that with the right support, often through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), recovery is not only possible, but often life-changing.
What Is School Refusal?
According to Headspace, school refusal can look like:
Tearfulness, anxiety, or distress before school
Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches
Difficulty getting out of bed or into the classroom
Frequent absences or trips to the sick bay
Many experts, such as those interviewed by the ABC’s Four Corners, argue that calling it “school refusal” is misleading. It’s not that kids won’t go to school, it’s that they feel they can’t.
Why Are More Kids Struggling?
There are multiple reasons children and teens experience school refusal. According to the Raising Children Network, contributing factors may include:
Bullying
Academic pressure
Learning difficulties
Neurodivergent conditions like ADHD or autism
Mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression
These complexities often require a multi-layered therapeutic approach, which is where evidence-based therapies such as CBT and SFBT can make a real difference.
Evidence-Based Therapy That Works
As a therapist, I’ve had strong outcomes using CBT and SFBT with school-aged clients experiencing school refusal.
CBT helps children reframe anxious thoughts, build confidence, and face school-related fears using gradual, supported exposure. As noted by Child Mind Institute, even walking past the school on a weekend can be a meaningful first step.
SFBT focuses on a child’s existing strengths and helps them (and their families) identify small, manageable steps toward school re-engagement.
These strategies are backed by research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, which highlights relaxation training, desensitisation, and social skills training as key parts of effective intervention.
What You Can Do as a Parent
If you suspect your child is struggling, you're not alone. The Victorian Government’s guide recommends staying calm, listening openly, and validating your child’s fears without reinforcing avoidance.
Here are a few simple steps you can try at home:
Stick to regular routines and praise brave behaviour
Keep the home environment low-stimulation during school hours (no gaming or TV)
Problem-solve anxieties together—like arriving just before the bell to avoid playground stress
Seek professional help early to prevent prolonged absences
Remember, according to the NSW Department of Education, even two or more absences in two weeks can signal an emerging problem.
How Home Mind Therapy Can Support You
At Home Mind Therapy, I offer:
Immediate telehealth sessions Australia-wide – no waitlists
Flexible hours to suit your family’s routine
No referral or diagnosis needed to get started
A gentle, non-judgmental approach, focused on collaboration and results
10+ years of experience working with school-aged children and their families
Whether you're based in Brisbane or elsewhere, I’m here to support your child through this challenging time. Early intervention really does make a difference, and it doesn’t have to start with a diagnosis or long waitlist. At Home Mind Therapy, there are no wait times, no need for a Mental Health Care Plan, and sessions are available online Australia-wide for your convenience.
If your child is struggling with school attendance and anxiety, know that support is available, and recovery is possible. Book an appointment now or reach out to learn more about how we can work together to restore confidence, calm, and connection.