There are many different forms of psychological therapy which have been designed to assist with different types of issues. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is well-known as a reliable assistance for depressive conditions and many forms of anxiety. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness techniques have additional utility for those who are interested in the emotion management techniques that they have to offer. Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy are two further interventions which have specialist applications. All of these techniques have received extensive testing and empirical validation; they are ethical, effective, and most of all, enjoyable and rewarding for the person learning the new approaches
Children
Gentle assessment and intervention approaches help children to experience relief from their discomfort, and gain Mastery over their symptoms. A range of therapeutic techniques such as Mindfulness, Strength- based approaches, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Positive Psychology, may be used.
We are often asked to help children with:
- Oppositional Behaviours
- Sleep Problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-Compulsive issues
- Problems in Socialising
- Autism Spectrum and ADHD
- Divorce/ Family issues
- Learning difficulties
- School refusal/Bullying
- Anger
- Fears/Phobias
- Study Issues
- Stress Management
- Grief and Loss
We welcome referrals for the following age groups:
- Toddlers and pre-schoolers
- Primary school - aged children
Our counselling settings are designed to be friendly and calm, but we encourage fun! Children enjoy drawing, playing, and taking part in imaginative pursuits while solutions to their problems are focused upon.
We encourage the growth of skills, self-valuing and resilience to support children’s wellbeing.
Behavioural Support
We work with children and families in a teamwork model, and like to equip parents with everything they need to know to support their child.
Sometimes children don’t settle in situations that they experience every day – for example, working in the classroom, sitting on the mat at kinder, playing with their peers, or travelling in the car. They may show anxieties or unusual responses which don’t seem to be going away. Sometimes the level of their anxiety (or their behaviours) begin to cause stress within the family. They may struggle with their school or preschool program or have problems in sleeping or eating.
Children are on a development curve and they go through some interesting stages! So the first thing, is to see if the problems will ease with some support. Parents often review recent circumstances to see whether something could be disrupting a child.
When the child’s distress is ongoing, unusual behaviours persist, or an inability to settle causes problems for their learning or how others are able to respond to them, it may be time for a more detailed look.
Any assessment aims to gain a clear understanding of the child and their individual situation. At the same time, support is provided for the immediate difficulties.
It is helpful to gain observations from other important settings ( eg. pre-school, crèche or class teacher) as well as from the parents and the child. In this way, a picture is built up of how the child copes in several different environments.
Children and parents will be seen at our office and observations made from the child’s preferences while they are playing, drawing, or interacting with others.
We are able to assist with functional behaviour assessments or a careful analysis of multiple factors which may be causing challenging behaviours or psychological needs. We may then be able to provide recommendations to support the child’s situation and the family’s responses and self-care.
Adults
Work with adults can assist with anxiety, trauma, depression, life transition and victims of crime issues.
Sometimes people need gentle support after traumatic changes or unexpected events.
Focussed interventions are often indicated where symptoms are causing stress: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is well-known as a reliable assistance for depressive conditions and many forms of anxiety. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness techniques have additional utility for those who are interested in the emotion management techniques that they have to offer. Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy are two further interventions which have specialist applications. All of these techniques have received extensive testing and empirical validation; they are ethical, effective, and most of all, enjoyable and rewarding for the person learning the new approaches.