Therapy Nuts and Bolts

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All therapy is conducted online.

• If you child is under 7 I will work with just you, or with you and your child may join for some or all of the session. 
• If your child is between 7-10 you are generally present for the majority of the session. 
• The amount of your presence required after this age depends on your child's needs, developmental stage and functional capacities, as well as your goals for therapy.

Positive Young Minds welcomes private clients, NDIS self-managed or plan-managed clients, and GP or Paediatrician referred clients.

As a psychologist, I love it when I can help you and your child see that life can be felt differently.  When you experience the Calm Dynamic, where there is rest from the overwhelm and anxiety.  In this space, there is an opportunity for you to take action that matters, and to choose a response that deepens connection, embraces awe and gives you peace.  

What do you do in therapy?

I can help you and your child learn:

• How to move from anxious to brave
• How to manage anger and create more calm
• What's behind school refusal and learning difficulties, and come up with strategies so that they are happy (or at least more willing) to go to school.
• How to sleep better
• What to do when bullied
• How to decrease loneliness and increase connection
• How to move more and screen less.
• How to be happier

I do not offer play therapy, family therapy, or court work.

What happens in your first session

• ​The first session is reserved just for you.
• You are encouraged to also invite other adults who have regular legal or custodial care of your child.
• In this session, we will discuss your concerns and goals for your child, relevant background information, and how therapy and sessions are structured.
• Before your session ensure that all forms are completed and the information provided read.

What happens in between sessions?

• ​After each session your child (or you) may have some activities to do at home, based on your goals.  They may do these by themselves, with someone else, or sometimes with the family.  These activities will vary and may include internet links, you-tube videos, reading together, breathing exercises, and other practical activities. 
• Your child may choose not to share with you the details of their individual based home activities.
• Committing to practice and trying out strategies between sessions is an important part of the therapy process

What is your role as parent in therapy?

You can help your child by 

• Providing them was a safe, private and supported space.
• Assisting them with carrying out activities and practicing therapeutic strategies between sessions.
• Committing to allowing the therapy time to work. 
• Letting me know as soon as you can whether your child will be unable to attend one of their scheduled sessions. Business policy is that sessions cancelled with less than two full business days will incur the full session fee. 
• Being honest with the information you share. 
• Letting let your child psychologist know if there has been a significant change in your child’s life 
• Being available to attend sessions.  Your role in this will vary according to your child's needs and age.  In telehealth sessions there always needs to be an adult nearby. 
• You also need to make sure I can contact you on the contact number you provided during the session.  
• Setting up the session so that your child has privacy and won't be interrupted. 
  

It can take a few sessions to develop a trusting working relationship with your child. Therapy involves change for your child and this can be very challenging. You have an important role in therapy and your support and encouragement is essential.