Young people face real challenges, and they deserve real support. Our psychologists work with children and teenagers using age-appropriate, engaging approaches that actually connect with where they are.
Children and teenagers are not just small adults. The way they experience and express distress is different, and so is the way therapy works best for them. Our psychologists are trained in developmentally appropriate approaches that engage young people where they are.
For younger children, this might involve play, drawing, or storytelling. For teenagers, it's a more conversational space, one that genuinely respects their perspective and doesn't talk down to them.
Parents and caregivers are important partners in this process. We'll work with you to understand your child's needs and give you tools to support them at home, while keeping your child's confidentiality appropriately protected.
We use methods tailored to your child's developmental stage, from play therapy for young children to CBT and ACT adapted for teenagers.
We involve parents and caregivers appropriately at each stage, providing guidance on how to support your child at home and respond to difficult moments.
We work hard to ensure every young person feels comfortable from the moment they walk in. Our rooms and approach are designed to feel welcoming, not clinical.
Children and adolescents can experience a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties, all of which can be addressed with the right support.
Separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalised worry, specific fears and phobias, helping children and teens manage anxiety without it holding them back.
Difficulty attending school due to anxiety, social challenges, or other factors, working with families and schools to support gradual, sustainable return.
Emotional regulation, organisational skills, and self-understanding for children and teenagers with ADHD, practical strategies for school, home, and friendships.
Persistent sadness, loss of interest, withdrawal, and hopelessness in young people, recognising the signs and building pathways back to engagement and connection.
Disordered eating, food refusal, ARFID, or early-stage eating disorder presentations, specialist support for young people, working with the whole family.
Difficulties with peer relationships, reading social situations, or navigating friendship conflicts, building confidence and practical skills for social connection.
Processing difficult experiences (parental separation, grief, moving, illness, or adverse childhood events) in a safe, age-appropriate way.
Supporting teenagers who are struggling with overwhelming emotions, self-harm, or difficulty managing intense feelings, with appropriate safety planning and skills-based work.
Specialist support for children and teenagers experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, using age-adapted ERP and CBT approaches.
We make the process as smooth as possible, for parents and for young people.
We typically begin with a consultation session for parents or guardians, without the child present. This gives us the opportunity to understand your concerns fully, take a developmental history, and discuss what would be most helpful. It also helps us prepare to make your child's first session as comfortable as possible.
Your child's GP can provide a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) for children and adolescents, providing access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Your GP may also arrange a paediatrician assessment if ADHD or ASD is suspected alongside the psychological referral.
The first session or two with your child is focused on building rapport and understanding their experience from their perspective. For younger children, this may involve play or drawing. For teenagers, it's a conversation where they're treated with genuine respect. Their voice matters.
Sessions are tailored to your child's age, needs, and goals, typically weekly or fortnightly. Parents are involved as appropriate: for younger children this might mean a brief check-in at each session; for teenagers, privacy is protected while keeping parents meaningfully informed.
Your psychologist will regularly review your child's progress with you and adjust the approach as needed. As goals are met, sessions may become less frequent, and your psychologist will help you and your child build skills to maintain their progress independently.
Evidence-based therapies, adapted for children and adolescents at every developmental stage.
For younger children who aren't yet able to articulate their experiences verbally, using play, art, and storytelling as a natural language for processing emotions.
Adapted versions of CBT designed for children and teenagers, identifying unhelpful thought patterns and building practical coping skills in age-appropriate ways.
Helping young people build psychological flexibility, identify their values, and commit to meaningful action, particularly useful for anxiety and depression.
Distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness skills, helpful for teenagers experiencing intense emotions, self-harm urges, or interpersonal difficulties.
Evidence-based treatment for adolescent eating disorders, involving the whole family in the recovery process with structured, staged support.
Specialist OCD treatment adapted for children and teenagers, working gradually and collaboratively to face fears and break compulsive patterns.
Child and adolescent therapy is offered by Paige and Samina, each with specific experience working with young people across a range of presentations. We'll match your child with the psychologist best suited to their age and needs.
Our team works from ages 5 through to 17, with approaches tailored to each developmental stage. Older adolescents (16–17) may also access individual adult services.
Call us or book online. We'll talk through your child's situation and find the right clinician and appointment time.
Book an AppointmentOr call 03 9989 3380. We're here Monday to Friday.