Psychology

Psychologists are trained professionals who support children, adolescents, and families with emotional, behavioural, social, and developmental challenges. They undertake extensive training in the assessment, understanding, and treatment of a wide range of mental health and neurodevelopmental presentations.

At our practice, we provide neurodiversity-affirming support that recognises and respects each child’s unique way of thinking, feeling, learning, and experiencing the world. We work collaboratively with children, adolescents, and their families to build practical skills, deepen self-understanding, and support emotional wellbeing in ways that align with the young person’s strengths, needs, and identity.

Psychologists can assist with a range of difficulties, including anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, low self-esteem, social difficulties, school-related stress, perfectionism, sleep concerns, anger, rigidity around change, and other mental health concerns. For autistic children and adolescents, therapy may also involve supporting the development of skills related to recognising emotions, understanding and communicating needs, managing anxiety and overwhelm, coping with uncertainty, developing flexible thinking, navigating friendships and social situations, advocating for themselves, and building confidence in their authentic identity.

Depending on the individual’s needs and goals, a range of therapeutic approaches may be utilised. Therapy is tailored to the child or adolescent’s developmental level, interests, communication style, and sensory needs. Sessions may involve discussion, games, drawing, visual supports, worksheets, role play, videos, and other engaging activities designed to support learning and skill development in a meaningful and accessible way.

An important part of therapy is psychoeducation — helping children, adolescents, and families better understand emotions, behaviour, anxiety, autism, and nervous system responses. This understanding can reduce shame, improve self-awareness, and support the implementation of helpful strategies in everyday life. Parent and caregiver involvement is an important part of the therapeutic process, as families play a key role in supporting the child outside of sessions and helping new skills generalise across settings.

A typical appointment may involve the child, parent/s, and psychologist speaking together at the beginning of the session, before the child and psychologist work on a particular activity, skill, or therapeutic goal. Parents may rejoin at the end of the session to discuss progress, strategies, and any goals or supports to practise between appointments. Therapy sessions differ depending on the needs of each individual child and family. Most importantly, the psychologist’s role is to create a safe, supportive, and accepting environment where children and adolescents feel understood, respected, and comfortable being themselves.

If you have any questions about the services offered, or would like to make an appointment for your child to see a psychologist, please contact reception on 8327 6337 or email admin@adelaidechildpsych.com.au