Your child may be unhappy, angry, or worried that it's stopping them from enjoying their life.  Or they may be struggling at school, having problems with friends or sleeping.  Sometimes things just don't seem right. Therapy can give you the tools you need to make a difference.

I welcome 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 your child learn and understand:

• How to move from anxious to brave
  
• How to manage anger and create more calm
  
• What's behind school refusal and learning difficulties, and coming up with strategies so that they are happy (or at least more willing) to go to school.
  
• What is getting in the way of a good night's sleep
• What to do when bullied
• How to decrease loneliness and increase connection
• How to create and sustain positive mental and physical wellbeing habits.
• What's getting in the way of happiness and how to find their spark
  

I also conduct cognitive and learning assessments.
I do not offer play therapy, family therapy, or court work.

I aim to make your child feel as comfortable as possible in therapy, however, 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 encouragment is essential.

Therapy Nuts and Bolts

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All therapy is conducted online.

If you child is under 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.

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.

Depending on the age of your child, their cognitive and emotional capacity, and the reason for seeking help all sessions may be with you as a parent. This is especially so in pre-school and very early years primary school. 

What happens in between session?

​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 my 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 is not likely to be interrupted.