About Shake Counselling
Breaking Therapy Stereotypes
We're a specialised teen counselling service that combines movement with evidence-based therapy to create life-changing results for adolescents who don't respond to traditional approaches.
Our Mission
Our mission is to equip teens with the essential life skills, resilience, and emotional well-being they need to navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and develop a positive sense of self.
We believe that every teen deserves a welcoming space where they feel secure exploring their emotions, learning valuable coping strategies, and working towards their goals.
Through our innovative movement-based approach, we break down the barriers of traditional therapy to create meaningful connections and lasting change in the lives of the teenagers we serve.
Shake Counselling's Beginnings
Jaxsyn Scholes founded Shake Counselling in 2021 after recognising the need for an innovative approach to therapy for teenagers. With seven years of experience working in residential care homes, Jaxsyn observed that traditional therapy methods often fell short in engaging and supporting adolescents effectively.
Determined to make a difference, Jaxsyn began working closely with teenagers facing various challenges, including homelessness, emotional regulation difficulties, and those participating in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). By walking alongside these adolescents, Jaxsyn aimed to provide them with fresh perspectives, promote positive self-talk, and help them manage the emotional sensitivities they experienced throughout their journey.
Jaxsyn quickly discovered that movement was a key factor in connecting with these teenagers. By incorporating physical activities such as basketball, football, walking, and gym exercises into therapy sessions, Jaxsyn created a unique and engaging environment that alleviated the apprehension often associated with traditional therapy.
This innovative approach has yielded remarkable results. Boys aged 14-16 have successfully reintegrated into mainstream schools, while NDIS participants have gained the interpersonal skills necessary to confidently secure and maintain employment. The core message we convey is that emotions are inevitable, and the focus should be on learning to respond effectively.
See Our Approach in Action
Watch how our movement-based therapy creates a comfortable environment where teens can open up and develop essential emotional skills.
Our Unique Approach
At Shake Counselling, we've revolutionised teen therapy with an approach that connects with adolescents on their terms. Here's what sets us apart:
Movement-Based Sessions
We incorporate basketball, walking, and other physical activities into therapy, creating a natural environment where teens feel comfortable opening up without the pressure of direct eye contact or sitting still.
Evidence-Based Methods
We combine movement with proven therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to give teens practical skills they can use every day.
Teen-Centred Focus
We specialise exclusively in adolescent therapy, with particular expertise in helping teen boys who have rejected traditional therapy approaches or struggle with emotional regulation.
Safe, Non-Judgmental Space
We prioritise creating an environment where teens feel secure sharing their experiences without fear of judgment, allowing for authentic expression and genuine growth.
Meet Our Founder
Jaxsyn Scholes
Founder
Teen Engagement • Self-Worth • Anger Regulation • Depression
Driven by a passion for making a difference, Jaxsyn established Shake Counselling in 2021 to provide an innovative, activity-based approach to counselling. By incorporating movement and physical activities into therapy sessions, Jaxsyn creates a unique and engaging environment that breaks down barriers and encourages adolescents to open up and explore their emotions.
Specialising in working with teenagers struggling with low self-worth, anger regulation, and depression, Jaxsyn prioritises building strong, trusting relationships with each individual. His compassionate and non-judgmental approach allows adolescents to feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate life's challenges.
Jaxsyn has assembled a dedicated team of professionals who share his vision for transforming teen counselling through movement and connection.
Meet Our Entire TeamOur Approach to Teen Transformation
We've developed a personalised, step-by-step process to help teens build emotional resilience and practical life skills:
Understanding Your Needs
Our experienced therapists take the time to listen to your story, concerns, and aspirations. We create a safe, non-judgmental space for teens to open up and share their experiences. We're able to relate and understand where traditional approaches may have failed.
Crafting a Personalised Plan
Together, we identify your unique challenges and goals. Our team develops a tailored counselling plan that combines engaging physical activities with proven techniques like DBT and ACT, designed specifically for your teen's situation and learning style.
Engaging in Sessions
Our skilled counsellors guide teens through activity-based sessions that foster emotional resilience and practical life skills. We meet teens where they're at, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment that makes therapy feel natural and engaging.
Measuring Progress and Growth
We regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and insights to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience, creating lasting change that extends far beyond our sessions.
When Traditional Therapy Isn't Working
If you're watching your teen struggle and feeling frustrated with traditional approaches that haven't connected, you're not alone. Many parents come to us after multiple failed attempts at conventional therapy, sharing stories of teens who:
- Refuse to attend therapy sessions or sit silently through them
- Feel uncomfortable with direct eye contact and formal office settings
- Struggle to verbalise their thoughts and feelings
- Are missing school, withdrawing socially, or experiencing emotional outbursts
- Feel stigmatised by the label of "therapy" or "counselling"
Our movement-based approach creates a completely different experience—one where teens actually want to participate. By incorporating activities they enjoy, we're able to build rapport naturally and introduce therapeutic techniques in a way that resonates.
"After refusing to attend three different psychologists, my son actually asks when he can go back to Shake. The basketball court completely changed how he sees therapy. He's going back to school now after 6 months of refusal."
This Isn't Your Typical Therapy
Let's be honest—traditional therapy can feel awkward, uncomfortable, and disconnected from your reality. If you've tried it before and thought "this isn't for me," you're not alone. We get it, and that's why we've created something different.
At Shake, therapy can happen on a basketball court, during a walk, or while engaging in activities you actually enjoy. Here's what makes our approach different:
- No pressure to maintain eye contact or sit still in an office
- Physical movement helps release stress while we talk
- Side-by-side conversations feel more natural and less intense
- We respect your pace and won't force you to talk about things you're not ready for
- We offer practical skills you can use right away, not just endless talking
Our goal isn't to "fix" you—it's to help you build the skills to navigate life's challenges on your own terms and develop a stronger sense of who you are and what matters to you.
"I hated therapy before Shake. Playing basketball while talking about stuff made it so much easier to open up. I didn't even realise I was doing therapy half the time, but I've learned a lot about managing my emotions and actually use the skills they taught me."
Ready to Take the First Step?
Our movement-based therapy approach has helped hundreds of teens build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop essential life skills. Book a free 20-minute phone consultation to see if Shake is the right fit for your teen.