Help for school-related difficulties
​Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Sleep disorders
Social difficulties
​Separation Anxiety
School Phobia
School Refusal
Oppositional behaviour
​Parenting difficulties
Internet or Gaming Addiction
Anger Management        
Family conflict
Grief and loss
Drug & Alcohol issues

​Meet the Team

John Chellew

 Clinical Social Worker & Family Therapist

With over 20 years' experience as a Mental Health Social Worker John has built a reputation for being the a go-to counsellor for youth and adolescent social, behavioural, and mental health issues where they are affecting school attendance or the school experience.

John's clinical focus on school related difficulties reflects his awareness of the growing need for (and under-supply of) evidence-based school refusal therapy.

John’s has broad experience working with issues which arise during the educational phase of a child's life.

With support from his colleague Kerry, John also trains and supports school welfare teams, mental health professionals to improve outcomes and application of school refusal therapies.

For effective evidence-based therapy, give John Chellew a call today, on 0409-024-485 or email him at john@schoolrefusal.com.au
​
Learn more about John


Kerry Milligan

Educational Consultant

With over 20 years' experience teaching & training, Kerry supports the clinic as a knowledgable and supportive advocate for your child's needs at school.  Kerry also supports our 'School Refusal' Professional Development training program for schools.

learn more:
- School Refusal & School liaison support
- Professional Development opportunities

Real Case Studies

Jake, 7

Jake had butterflies in his belly before school. But after 3 sessions, he learned a new way to understand and manage his feelings. He's back at school and has become very good at 'catching' and talking about his butterflies with Mum.

Angela, 14

Angela 'always' felt anxious at school and prefers to stay at home. After a few sessions, and a friendly chat with the school. Angela has a 'Back To School Plan' and some tricks up her sleeve to manage her negative self-talk and panic attacks.

Jacob, 16

Jacob is often very tired before school, he plays computer games until late at night and isolates himself in class. With a shiny new alarm clock, social-skills training and some fair bed time boundaries, Jacob is less tired and has found a new friend who also likes video-games.
* Case studies published with client consent. Identifying  information changed or removed.

Symptom Checklist

Find out if our service is a good fit for your child

Proactivity improves outcomes

When you notice problems that are interfering with your child's well-being or schooling, that's your prompt to take action. Treatment is most effective when sought early.

Very Accessible Therapy

We are equipped with digital modes of therapy – great for families unable to visit our St Kilda Clinic. We choose secure and fuss free technology solutions such as Apple’s FaceTime, Phone counselling and Skype Video Chat.

Parents are part of the solution

As a parent, you're best placed to notice both early and advanced indicators which may indicate an underlying mental health, social and behavioural problem. It’s our job to help you to recognise what to look for and what to do next.

Evidence-based therapy works.

Modern counselling is all about evidence-based solutions. Our methods are developed using leading Australian child psychiatry research. In our experience, clinical breakthrough's can occur in as few as 3 sessions, with difficult cases taking between 6 to 10 sessions. Each session marks real progress, we don't waste your time.

Our counselling streams

General Counselling

We comprehensively screening for & treating all mental health, social and behavioural issues in children and adolescents. We also provide parents with practical support and skills to reinforce positive outcomes achieved through counselling.

School Refusal Counselling

Our systemic evidence-based approach to school refusal works. It includes support for parents and advocacy & liaison with your school and results in a practical 'back to school plan’ that all parties agree upon and then implement.

Therapy is most effective when sought early.

we have prepared a checklist to help you identify the early signs of school refusal

Signs of School Refusal
​Signs when at home​:
  • Complaints of physical symptoms when getting ready for school, e.g. headaches
  • A reluctance or refusal to get dressed for school
  • Negative comments about school
  • ​A reluctance to talk openly about their experiences at school​​​
​​Signs at school​:
  • Frequent and unexplained absences from school
  • Frequent lateness to school
  • Absences on significant days (e.g. assessment days or specific classes)
  • Frequent requests to go to sick bay
  • Frequent requests to call home or to go home during the day

ANXIETY

Butterflies in the belly
Panic attacks
Elevated stress response

DEPRESSION

Moodiness
Irritable
Fatigued
Tantrums
Feelings of worthlessness

LOW-SELF ESTEEM

Negative self-talk
Ignoring achievements,
Thinking you're worse than others
Rejecting compliments
Sadness
Angry
Ashamed.

Benefits of School Refusal Counselling

  • Changing a students limiting beliefs about school
  • Tools and strategies you can use right away
  • Support for parents throughout the process
  • Improved school attendance outcomes
  • Relief from depression, anxiety, addiction, loneliness
  • A clinician to coordinate a cooperative dialogue between parent, school and child
  • Evidence based therapeutic methods
  • Improved self confidence at school
  • A realistic strategy to return to healthy school attending behaviour
  • A more connected relationship to school
  • Confidentiality
  • Greater self-esteem
  • Mental and physical health benefits
  • Improved self-knowledge

In primary school, some students miss on average 3 weeks of school per year,
That's half a year of school by the end of year 6.

missed school days by the end of grade six
Victorian State Government - Dept. of Ed & Training (2016)

Professional Development

Interested in School Refusal?
We offer Professional Development and Case Workshops ​for
​Schools, Clinics and Workplaces.

FAQ

What is school refusal?
School Refusal is a clinical descriptor used in child psychiatry research and clinical practice.  It describes a model of therapy which seeks to understand and address the social, behavioural and mental health issues which cause students to refuse or have difficulties with school and school attendance. The term is not a diagnosis. (i.e. you cannot be diagnosed with 'school refusal).
What is school refusal therapy?
School refusal therapy is a branch of clinical practice which uses evidence-based therapies, assessments, and strategies which have been proven to be effective in supporting children through their school attendance difficulties. School refusal therapy works by addressing the issues holistically and systemically. School refusal therapy considers symptoms in the context of schooling, meaning the process includes the key stakeholders: the child's parents, school, and the child themselves. The result is a mutually agreed upon solution designed to support a positive return to school.
How can I contact the clinic?
You can call us at  ​​0409 024 485 or email us at john@schoolrefusal.com.au
Where is the clinic located?
​The Bayside School Refusal Clinic is located at 20 Mitford Street, St Kilda, 3182. ​