Frequently asked Questions…

There are so many titles in this space, what is the difference between all of them?

Okay let’s try to break down a few of them and provide some clarity:

Coaching: Is about the future, is client-centred and the Coach’s aim is to support clients in sustainable lifestyle change. Coaches work alongside people to coach and motivate them through multiple sessions, supporting them to self-identify their needs, set goals and help them to implement their personalised plan.

Mentor: Shares their knowledge, skills and experience to help another to develop and grow. They may offer advice/suggestions provide feedback.

Counsellor: Provide a safe space to talk through concerns and is often referred to as “talk therapy”. They focus on supporting their clients as a person and can assist to navigate through feelings, thoughts and problematic behaviour. Their main role is not to diagnose/treat mental illness or significant trauma, but apply psychotherapy techniques to provide support. They help with specific areas of difficulty and encourage clients to think of their own solutions (with support and guidance).

Psychologist: deals with more complex mental health issues or those experiencing significant symptoms that are affecting their ability to cope with day to day life e.g. depression, anxiety, severe stress. They complete many years of professional study and are trained to assess, diagnose and manage/prevent mental health conditions. a Psychologist’s further tertiary education allows them to treat your symptoms and provide a diagnosis if required.

Why focus on young people’s wellbeing?

You may have noticed the increase in mental health/wellbeing challenges that young people are facing and noticed the long waitlists when attempting to seek professional help. Why is this?

This age (12-25 years) is a crucial stage of personal growth marked by significant changes and transitions. Young people undergo physical, intellectual, and emotional development, while also establishing their independent identities, building social connections and initiating romantic relationships. They may also be transitioning from primary to secondary education or from secondary education to further studies or employment, while navigating adulthood, sometimes with a move away from their family home.

These transitional periods offer exciting prospects for promoting and improving health and wellbeing and can set the foundation for establishing positive habits that persist into adulthood.

What approach do you take?

My style is casual, authentic and real. I incorporate humour into sessions and believe that being able to have a laugh at ourselves or certain situations can help to shift energy at times. I also know that having a ‘bloody good cry’ is important and I ensure the young person feels cared for, safe and comfy and has the time and space to let the emotions flow when they need to.

Although I appear casual in my approach, everything I do is underpinned by knowledge, training and experience, and I will draw on necessary strategies, questioning techniques or tools to best address what the young person is facing.

I have developed various support tools, apps and ideas that are used in a creative, fun, engaging way to best meet the style and needs of the individual, whilst appealing to the young brain.

What are some of the tools used in a Mint Mates session?

Each session is unique and aims to equip the young person with increased awareness, a fresh skill or practical tool that will aid in their learning, personal growth and help them become the best version of themselves.

These tools could include empowering techniques to identify strengths, recognition methods to acknowledge limiting beliefs or values, or role-playing scenarios to teach valuable life skills such as decision making, problem solving, responsibility and managing stress. The goal is for the young person to be able to apply these skills in their future endeavours.

What method do you follow?

At Mint Mates, I incorporate a blend of coaching, mentoring and fundamental counselling principles to assist young people. I adhere to a coaching framework which focuses on the present situation, I trust that the young person has the solutions within themself and I will ask questions to aid their understanding of the reality of their situation. If necessary, I am willing to offer suggestions or advice (always asking the young person first) and I can mentor them to develop the skills they require to overcome their challenges or reach their goals. Our sessions may involve activities, visualisations, role-playing or simply talking depending on the young person’s needs at the time.

Who does Mint Mates best serve?

• High school students (year 7-12)

• School leavers up to 25 years of age

Does the parent need to be present in the session?

Parents/caregivers normally stay for the first 5-10 mins of the first session and then do not stay for ongoing sessions moving forward, unless it is beneficial to the young person. Adult caregivers may be asked join at ad-hoc times in future sessions depending on needs of young person, we will chat about this and always keep comms open between all parties, whilst respecting the young person’s confidentiality.

Does the parent/caregivers need to provide consent?

If the young person is 18 years of age or younger, parent consent is required. If there are any foreseeable challenges with this for the young person, please shoot me a text, give me a call or get in touch and we can discuss options.

Is what we discuss confidential?

Yes it is, all information you share with your mentor will be kept confidential. This means that its private and won’t be shared with anyone without the young person’s consent.

Once, we have broken the ice and everyone is feeling more comfortable, I will discuss confidentiality with the young person so they are crystal clear and know that anything we discuss stays within the four walls of the Mint Mates office. I will walk them through the few exceptions to this, for really serious situations where we want to protect the young person or those around them from serious harm.