Clinical Services

Child & Adolescent Therapy

Sometimes in life, children, adolescents and families may get overwhelmed – there might be difficulties with family relationships, difficulties at school and changes within the family environment. At these times, it can be helpful to have some extra help and support both for individual members of the family or the family as a whole. A psychologist is someone who can provide that additional guidance and support and help children, adolescents and families through a difficult period.

Why Should My Child Or Adolescent See A Psychologist?

Sometimes children or adolescents, like adults, can benefit from some extra help or support during different times in their lives. Seeing a psychologist offers an opportunity for an objective perspective and a chance to understand how different things affect your child or adolescent and also it can teach parents or guardians how to manage different behaviours or emotions. Sometimes children or adolescents may need to see a psychologist only a few times and other times they may seem them for a bit longer. Psychologists can help children, adolescents and families cope with stress and a variety of emotional and behavioural issues including: school stress, bullying, peer pressure, anxiety or family issues, particularly if there’s a major transition such as a divorce, move or a death of a family member.

Significant life events affect children and adolescents differently to adults and can cause stress that might lead to problems with behaviour, mood, sleep, appetite, and academic or social functioning. Children and adolescents often process information differently to adults and their emotional responses may manifest in behavioural or physical changes. In some cases, it’s not as clear what’s caused your child or adolescent to suddenly seem withdrawn, anxious or display significant changes in behaviour. But if you feel your child or adolescent might have an emotional or behavioural problem or needs help coping with a difficult life event, trust your instincts and seek help.

Changes in your child or adolescent that may mean they could benefit from seeing a psychologist include:

Developmental delay in speech, language, or toilet training
Learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)
Behavioural problems (such as excessive anger, acting out, bedwetting or eating disorders)
A significant change in academic performance in school
Episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression
Social withdrawal or isolation
Being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
Overly aggressive behaviour (such as biting, kicking, or hitting)
Sudden changes in appetite (particularly in adolescents)
Insomnia or increased sleepiness
Signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use
A recent traumatic event

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Parenting Support

At Growing Minds Psychology Services we understand that parenting is hard. However, parents can experience heightened feelings of anxiety or stress in relation to parenting if:

The child has medical needs
The child has a diagnosed developmental disorder
The child is experiencing social difficulties
the child exhibits challenging behaviour
changes within the family structure such as parental separation/divorce
family life stage changes

Our specially trained and caring clinicians can assist parents through providing support, education and counselling. Parents can access a psychologist at Growing Minds Psychology Services for specific parenting training and support and will be provided with tailored strategies and approaches to meet the individual needs of their children.

Clinical Supervision

At Growing Minds Psychology Services we offer clinical professional supervision by a STAP-approved Supervisor. Supervision is available for ongoing professional development as well as part of the requirements for the Clinical Registrar program. Professional supervision is available in-person or via Zoom. Please send an email to admin@growingmindspsychologyservices.com.aufor more information including fees and availability.

Pregnancy Support

Traditionally, pregnancy, childbirth and the arrival of a new baby is viewed by society as a happy and momentous time for both the parents and family. However, the reality of childbirth and caring for a newborn is often in stark contrast to this idealised image, therefore it is not surprising that a considerable number of women experience low mood, emotion dysregulation and isolation during this new phase of their life.

Mothers are faced with new sets of demands that a baby brings including sleepless nights, establishing a feeding routine and pressure to establish a bond with their new-born. Other stresses in life such as financial difficulties, social isolation, low support, relationship breakdown or an unexpected difficult birth can also impact on dealing with the demands of a new baby. All this can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and stress.

Medicare offers rebates for pregnancy support counselling for women who have experienced pregnancy within the last 12 months who have concerns such as decisions about the future, adjustment following the pregnancy, or general issues related to a pregnancy. If you would like more information or wish to speak directly to a psychologist about this, please give email us at admin@growingmindspsychologyservices.com.au.