Therapy

WHO I HELP

I help parents who are looking to improve how they are managing their children's emotional and behaviour difficulties.
I help children, adolescents and young adults who are self managed under the NDIS.
I help children, adolescents and young adults who are referred with a mental health plan
I help children, adolescents and young adults who choose to pay privately.

WHERE I WORK

Currently all sessions are conducted using Telehealth.

WHAT IS TELEHEALTH?

Telehealth service is a psychological therapy service that is delivered via video conference where both a visual and audio link has been established between a patient and their treating allied health professional.

Research supports the effectiveness of providing services this way to a similar degree to face to face. It might feel a little awkward at the start but that’s OK. Telehealth is convenient, accessible and safe.

HOW DOES COUNSELLING WORK?

Your child’s psychologist will work with you and your child towards therapuetic goals that are set in the sessions, based on the concerns you have and your child’s unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses.
The goals and the information provided by you and your child form the basis of their MAP (My Action Plan).
These MAPs are based on proven mental health strategies including, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, activity scheduling and psychoeducation.
Depending on the reason for counselling you may be required to be in the sessions for part of the time with your child. There may be times your child’s psychologist will want to speak with you without your child present.

Between sessions

After each session your child may bring home some activities, based on their MAP.
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.

WHAT'S MY ROLE AS PARENT IN THE COUNSELLING PROCESS?

You can help your child by

Assisting them with carrying out activities in their MAP
Committing to allowing the therapy time to work
Letting you psychologist 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 48 hours notice will incur the full session fee
Being honest with the information you share
Letting let your 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.

Your child’s psychologist aims 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. Therefore, the support and encouragement you give your child is an important part of the therapy process.

WHAT SORT OF COUNSELLING DO YOU DO?

Positive Young Minds focuses on early intervention and positive psychology strategies. The exact strategies will depend on the reasons your child is coming to counselling. which may include mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, goal setting and habit creation, psychoeducation, anxiety management strategies, relaxation strategies, anger management strategies, sleep hygiene, gratitude, and communication skills.
We do not offer play therapy, family therapy, or court work.