What to Expect When Seeing a Child Consultant
September 19th, 2025
“My lawyer or mediator has mentioned a child consultant — what does that mean?”
When families go through separation, one of the most important questions parents ask is: How can we make sure our children’s voices are heard in a safe and supportive way?
That’s where a child consultant can help.
What is a Child Consultant?
A child consultant is a trained professional who meets with children during family law mediation. Their role is to help children safely share their experiences, without ever asking them to take sides or make decisions. Instead, their insights are gathered in a supportive way and shared back with parents, so that children’s needs stay at the centre of any future discussions and agreements.
What’s Involved?
Benefits of Child Consultancy
Why Guided Clarity?
“Child consultants don’t ask children to choose between parents — they help them feel heard in ways that are safe, age-appropriate, and respectful.”
1. Safe meeting with your child
Your child meets the consultant in a calm, welcoming space. Sessions are designed to feel comfortable and supportive.
2. Creative, child-friendly and youth-appropriate methods
Depending on age, children may draw, use symbols, create stories, or talk about everyday life. Tweens and teenagers may also explore metaphors or more direct conversations.
These indirect approaches help children express themselves naturally, without pressure.
3. Feedback for parents
You receive a summary of your child’s perspectives, framed in a way that protects them and highlights their needs, not blame..
Children feel heard — They know their thoughts and feelings matter.
Parents gain perspective — Understanding your child’s experiences in a safe and constructive way.
Better agreements — Child-inclusive mediation often leads to more workable, long-term solutions.
Reduced conflict — Shifting focus back to children’s wellbeing can ease parent tensions.
At Guided Clarity, child consultancy is led by Michelle — a registered psychologist, accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, and trained child consultant. Sessions are transparent, safe, and always centred on children’s wellbeing.
Michelle has extensive experience supporting children with anxiety, ADHD, autism, and other mental health challenges. Each session is adapted to a child’s age, needs, and communication style so they feel understood and supported.
Parents often wonder how to prepare their child. The good news is — you don’t need to. Michelle explains the process clearly to both you and your child, helping them feel safe, reassured, and ready.