Child, Parent & Family Support

Children and adolescents do not develop in isolation. Their emotional wellbeing is shaped by their relationships, family environment, life experiences, and the people who care for them.

I work with children, adolescents, parents, and families to support healthy emotional development, secure relationships, resilience, and family wellbeing. Parents and caregivers often seek support when their child is experiencing emotional, behavioural, social, or developmental difficulties, or when something simply doesn’t feel quite right.

Adolescence can bring its own challenges, including increasing independence, identity development, friendship difficulties, academic pressures, emotional struggles, and changes within family relationships. Therapy can provide a supportive space for young people to better understand themselves, navigate challenges, and develop healthy coping skills.

My goal is to help children and young people feel understood and supported, while also equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to respond effectively to their child’s needs.

I offer support with:

  • Behavioural and learning difficulties

  • Neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD

  • Attention, concentration, and impulse difficulties

  • School refusal or school-related stress

  • Social challenges and bullying

  • Anxiety and low mood

  • Trauma

  • Sleep difficulties

  • Emotional regulation, including anger and aggression

  • Family separation and adjustment to change

  • Attachment and relationship difficulties

  • Parenting challenges and concerns

  • Difficulties with technology use

  • Developmental concerns, including toileting issues

My Experience

Working with children, adolescents, and families has been a significant focus throughout my career.

I completed my PhD in the field of trauma, researching how parents influence children’s recovery following traumatic events. This research reinforced the powerful role that parents and caregivers play in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Prior to working in private practice, I held research roles examining childhood mental health, including ADHD and anxiety in children. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, parents, and families across a range of settings.

I am also trained in:

  • Circle of Security Parenting

  • Tuning in to Kids

These approaches inform my work with children, adolescents, and caregivers and emphasise the importance of emotional connection, attachment, and understanding behaviour through a developmental lens.

My Approach

I believe children and adolescents make sense within the context of their relationships, experiences, strengths, and environment.

While individual work with young people can be helpful, meaningful change often occurs when parents and caregivers are actively involved in the therapeutic process. For this reason, I work collaboratively with children, adolescents, and their caregivers wherever appropriate.

Depending on your child’s age, needs, and goals, therapy may involve:

  • Individual sessions with your child or adolescent

  • Parent-only sessions

  • Joint parent-child sessions

  • Parenting support and coaching

  • School consultation and collaboration

  • Family-based interventions

My approach is tailored to the unique needs of each young person and family and draws from evidence-based therapies, attachment-informed approaches, trauma-informed practice, and developmental psychology.

Supporting Parents

Parenting can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging, exhausting, and at times overwhelming.

Many parents seek support because they feel stuck, uncertain, or worried about their child. Therapy can provide a space to better understand your child’s needs, strengthen your relationship with them, and develop practical strategies that support both your child and your family.

There is no expectation that parents have all the answers. Often, small changes in understanding and connection can make a significant difference over time.

Appointments

Appointments are available in-person in Frankston, Somerville on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as via telehealth across Australia.

If you would like to discuss whether support for your child, adolescent, parenting, or family may be helpful, please feel free to get in touch.

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