Hi! I’m Jessica!

On maternity leave in 2025

As a Clinical Psychologist working with children and adolescents, I place a strong emphasis on the importance of parent management training, recognising that a child’s environment significantly impacts their mental well-being. During the initial sessions, I prioritise a thorough assessment and orientation process, delving into the dynamics of the entire family. This comprehensive approach allows me to gain a holistic understanding of the familial context, enabling me to tailor interventions that not only address the child’s individual needs but also promote positive changes within the family system. By incorporating parent management training, I empower parents with effective tools and strategies to manage challenging behaviours, enhance communication, and foster a nurturing environment for their child’s emotional growth.

When working with adolescents, my treatment approach centres around Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), acknowledging the delicate balance between nurturing secure attachments to parents and guiding these young individuals through the pivotal process of navigating independence. Recognising adolescence as a transitional phase crucial for identity development and the establishment of healthy relationships, ABFT supports both the adolescent and their family in fostering secure emotional connections. This therapeutic model aims to strengthen family bonds, enhance communication, and facilitate the development of autonomy and independence, creating a foundation for the adolescent’s healthy emotional growth.

My therapeutic approach to various mental health disorders is grounded in evidence-based practices designed to address the unique needs of this population. When working with a range of disorders - including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and OCD - I employ developmentally sensitive interventions. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone, adapted to the age and cognitive abilities of each individual. Play therapy techniques are often incorporated for younger children, allowing them to express themselves in a language that feels natural to them.

When working with adolescents, I integrate developmentally appropriate cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), encouraging collaborative goal setting and emphasizing their active role in the therapeutic process. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are woven into sessions, providing practical tools for emotional regulation during the challenging adolescent years.

In both child and adolescent therapy, I underscore the importance of systemic and attachment frameworks, understanding that the relationships and environments in which young individuals are embedded significantly influence their emotional well-being. By integrating these frameworks into the therapeutic process, I aim to deepen the understanding of the intricate dynamics within families. This approach allows for a more nuanced and effective intervention, addressing not only the immediate concerns presented by the child or adolescent but also fostering lasting positive changes that contribute to their overall mental health and well-being.

Ultimately, the incorporation of systemic and attachment perspectives enhances the therapeutic process, creating a supportive and transformative space for children and adolescents to navigate the challenges of growth and development.

Hi! I’m Karen!

I believe that children and adolescents can make change in their lives to better fulfil their potential and grow into healthy and thriving adults. I adopt a family approach in my work with children, acknowledging the importance of their relationships and contextual experiences, as well as the influence of behavioural and emotional problems on family members. When commencing therapy, an initial assessment is required (1-2 sessions) which provides an opportunity for background information to be gathered, identifying your child’s strengths and challenges, and the setting of individualised therapy goals. Developing a personalised treatment plan that will best suit your child’s and/or family needs will be based on research on the most effective form of intervention for your specific situation. The number of treatment sessions required, and the frequency of sessions, will depend on each individual family/child.

Some younger children like to have their parents or caregiver attend their therapy sessions with them, and others are happy to attend on their own. For adolescents there is a greater emphasis on attending the sessions individually. Nonetheless, it is essential that parents or caregivers are involved in the treatment process, assisting their child with implementing learnt skills to ensure long-lasting positive change. I respect your child/adolescent’s right to confidentiality while they receive individual therapy. As much as possible, I aim to keep parents informed of their child’s progress. A detailed discussion about the limits to confidentiality will be outlined to the child/family during the initial appointment.

I work primarily in addressing child and adolescent psychological, social, and concerns pertaining to their daily functioning. This includes addressing challenging behaviour, self-esteem, school problems/refusal, social and relationship problems, supporting family through difficulties, and parent skills training. My treatment approaches are informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and the teaching progression of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

Hi! I’m Charmaine!

Supporting children and young people with challenges they are experiencing can provide them with knowledge and skills to more effectively manage difficulties both now and later in life.

My approach to working with children and young people is individualised and is about teamwork. The first one to two sessions will have a focus on assessment and getting started. This involves understanding concerns, completing questionnaires, discussing goals for therapy, and an initial strategy or two for wellbeing. The following sessions focus on strategies to manage the concerns and to facilitate change.

 I think about therapy as building a ‘toolbox’. We all have a toolbox of coping strategies – all of us have some tools already, and some may need a dusting off or a polish. Then we want to add more tools to that toolbox, for different times and situations. Therapy is about working as a team to learn and try the tools in session, the young person or family then experimenting with them between sessions, and then in the next session discussing what has been noticed, and proceeding step by step. Often we are building a foundation to work towards managing more complex concerns and situations. Change only happens through action, and it is the action between sessions that makes the difference.

As part of a family, therapy with children and young people often includes parents or other family members to help understand a situation and to support this action and change. My approach is to meet everyone together to begin with, to get to know people and to have an open conversation. The approach may vary depending on age, though in future sessions I typically would spend the majority of the session with the young person, then invite the parent/s to join for the last few minutes for an overview of what was covered and to share the focus of the week/s ahead. Generally speaking, there is less parental involvement with increasing age. For adolescents, the focus is usually on them as an individual, to ensure their confidentiality, engagement and participation.

Open communication is encouraged and where needed, a family meeting may sometimes be arranged. This can help children, young people and family members to share and discuss concerns and progress, and to plan for next steps beyond therapy. These meetings have a pre-agreed agenda, and the child or young person actively participates in setting and participating in the agenda.

 Regular sessions are important to establish and maintain a good relationship, and to build momentum for change.  Planning for six to ten sessions is recommended, either weekly or fortnightly. The scheduled time of sessions should consider age, so that children are able to be alert and focused. Resources are provided via paper and online to support work occurring in sessions. All therapy is evidence-based and primarily draws on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).

Hi! I’m Emily!

Accredited Cool Kids provider!

I am passionate about creating a warm and friendly environment to support children, adolescents, and their families. I take an individualised approach to therapy, building an evidence-based treatment plan based on your unique experiences and needs, however the information below can help you to understand what therapy might look like for you.

 Working with behavioural difficulties: When working with preschool and primary-school aged children who are experiencing behavioural difficulties, I take an Integrated Family Intervention approach. This gold-standard approach works with parents to identify the relevant behavioural, attachment, and systems-related factors that might be influencing their child’s behaviour. It then introduces parent-driven strategies for preventing and responding to behaviours, such as rewards and praise, quality time, time out, logical consequences, and strengthening family relationships and communication.

 These sessions will mainly involve me working with the parents (and/or the main caregivers), although some sessions may involve a portion of time working directly with the child. I strongly recommend that all parents or primary caregivers attend every session, since research has demonstrated that this is a strong predictor of positive treatment outcomes.

 Working with anxiety and other emotional difficulties: For children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, I predominantly use a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. CBT is the gold-standard treatment for child and adolescent anxiety. CBT for anxiety focuses on addressing the unhelpful thinking styles and beliefs that are associated with anxiety, as well as reducing behavioural avoidance and encouraging children and adolescents to face their fears in a gradual and supported way.

 For children and adolescents who are experiencing other emotional concerns including low mood, stress and adjustment, and emotion regulation difficulties, I tailor my treatment approach to target the factors that are relevant to each family. Approaches that I might draw from include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and attachment and systems approaches.

 When working with preschool and primary-aged children, a parent will need to attend all sessions with their child. The sessions might involve the parent and child together the entire time, or there may be times when I work either just with the parent or child. Given that treatment often involves practice and activities to be completed outside of sessions, it is crucial that parents are actively involved.

 When working with high-school aged adolescents, parental involvement is recommended, however the extent of this involvement is flexible based on the presenting concerns, and the needs and preferences of each family.

Hi! I’m Chloe!

Accredited Cool Kids Provider!

I love working with children, adolescents and families to equip them with strategies to manage more difficult times, improve their overall wellbeing and live their best lives!

My work begins with a thorough, holistic approach, starting with a detailed diagnostic assessment that considers the many factors influencing a child’s well-being, including family dynamics, school environment, social interactions, and developmental history. My assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of each child’s unique circumstances, laying the foundation for effective, individualised treatment.

I primarily work within cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) frameworks, providing children with practical tools to manage their emotions, behaviours, and thoughts. I do this using interactive activities, story telling and colourful age-appropriate worksheets. As an accredited provider of the Cool Kids Program, I am equipped to help children with anxiety develop valuable coping strategies that foster resilience, confidence building and courage.

My therapeutic approach is neuroaffirming, focusing on identifying each child’s strengths, interests, and potential to ensure they feel seen and valued. My aim is to empower children and their families, helping them develop a strong sense of self-worth. I also support parents by implementing evidence-based behavioural interventions that promote positive change within the family, helping to build a supportive environment in which the child can thrive.

Hi! I’m Nisha!

I am deeply passionate about child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing, and am committed to creating a warm, supportive, and safe space where young people can share their experiences and thrive. I am particularly interested in supporting children and adolescents facing social and emotional challenges including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, self-esteem issues, social fears, and difficulties with school engagement.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based frameworks including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I tailor my approach to meet the individual needs and developmental stages of each child, ensuring that interventions are age-appropriate and resonate with their unique personalities and concerns.

I take a holistic and systemic approach to therapy, recognising the many factors that influence a child’s wellbeing—such as family dynamics, school experiences, and developmental milestones. Through comprehensive diagnostic assessments, I aim to gain a thorough understanding of each child’s challenges, allowing me to create personalized treatment plans that consider both individual and systemic factors. My goal is to provide strategies that help children manage social and emotional concerns, fostering resilience and supporting their overall wellbeing.

I am committed to early intervention and strongly believe in the power of mental health promotion during critical stages of development. Where applicable, I collaborate closely with parents to develop and implement strategies that support lasting positive change. By working together, we can ensure that children have the tools they need to overcome challenges and build a strong foundation for their future wellbeing.

Hi! I’m Shivani!

I'm passionate about helping children navigate their emotional and psychological challenges using a gentle, play-based approach. As a child psychologist, I believe in creating a safe and engaging environment where children can express themselves freely and begin their journey toward well-being.

My Play-Based Approach 

I understand that children communicate best through play. In my sessions, I use storytelling, worksheets, and role-playing to help children articulate their feelings and experiences in a comfortable and familiar way. These creative methods enable me to equip children with the tools they need to manage their struggles and overcome the challenges they face.

Therapeutic Modalities

My training in a variety of therapeutic modalities allows me to tailor my approach to each child's unique needs. These modalities include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Solution-Focused Therapy

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)

By integrating these methods, I can provide a personalised and flexible treatment plan that best suits each child.

Neuroaffirming Approach

I am particularly committed to supporting Autistic and ADHD children through a neuroaffirming approach. I strive to understand and appreciate their unique perspectives, creating a supportive environment that validates their experiences. Additionally, I empower parents with the knowledge and skills they need to support their children at home, fostering a holistic and inclusive support system.

Comprehensive Intake and Collaborative Goal Setting

My process begins with a detailed intake session with parents only. This allows me to gather comprehensive information for a thorough case understanding and treatment plan. I believe in setting goals collaboratively, involving both parents and children in defining objectives. Together, we work towards these goals in small, manageable steps, ensuring steady progress.

I am dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children feel understood and supported. My flexible, personalised treatment plans and gentle, play-based approach ensure that each child receives the care they need to thrive.

I understand that every child is a treasure trove of potential, and my goal is to help them uncover and shine their brightest. Together, let’s embark on a journey of growth, understanding, and empowerment for your child. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’re curious about how we can work together to support your child’s happiness and success.

Hi! I’m Jordan!

My passion is helping young people- particularly adolescents, navigate the challenges of life. I draw on several approaches to do this- however the most important aspect of therapy for me is gaining rapport. I see a strong therapeutic alliance as key to creating any change.

For children between the ages of 6-12 presenting with mood/behavioural concerns, I recommend parents attend at least the first 3 sessions as they may take time to become familiar with a new setting and require support from parents. The level of parental involvement in future sessions will depend on maturity of the child, severity of presenting concern, and of course parent preference. If sessions are one-on-one, I like to conduct a check-in at the beginning with a parent present and a review at the end to ensure parent involvement and so they are equipped to reinforce strategies in the home setting.

For young people 13+ presenting with mood/behavioural concerns, I am flexible around parent involvement, however, generally recommend parents attend at least the initial session. Adolescents are developing a sense of individuality at this point in their life and it is important to foster this. This is discussed and agreed upon during the initial session.

The first couple of sessions are used to gather information and conduct an ‘initial assessment’. We set goals together and discuss an inidivualised treatment plan. It is generally recommended that families commit to a course of 6-10 sessions. For treatment of severe mood/behavioural concerns this will be increased.

I operate mainly from a Cognitive-Behavioural framework (CBT), which focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing.

Hi! I’m Karolina!

On maternity leave in 2025

For children between the ages of 2.5-8 who display oppositional behaviours and conduct problems I primarily work with parents using an Integrated Family Intervention approach that has been consistently shown to effectively decrease behavioural problems in children. While treatment is primarily parent-focused, as Medicare requirements for rebates require that the child is part of sessions to some extent, they will need to attend the sessions with you (either in-person or via Zoom). If bringing them for in-person sessions please ensure you bring some activities for them to be occupied with. 

For children aged between 7-12 years old with mood and/or behavioural issues I recommend that children attend sessions with at least one parent as at this age children typically require some level of guidance and support from their parents (i.e., in remembering important details to share in therapy or helping completing between-session tasks). However, level of required parent involvement will depend on the presenting problems. 

For adolescents (aged 13-18) with mood and/or behavioural issues I am flexible as to whether or not parents are involved in sessions. Given the desire for most adolescents to become more independent at this stage of life, I typically leave the decision of who will be involved in therapy largely up to the adolescent, although depending on the nature of the presenting problems I may encourage parents to attend a few sessions, as long as the adolescent is on board with this.

In terms of the general structure of sessions, the first 1-2 sessions are used to gather relevant assessment information, identify treatment goals and briefly outline the proposed treatment. Following this, the number of treatment sessions required, and the frequency of sessions, will depend on each individual family/client. However, for parent management work, 6-10 weekly sessions are typically recommended, and more for child/adolescent mood concerns. My treatment approaches to child and adolescent mood and behavioural concerns (excluding oppositional behaviours and conduct problems) are generally guided by the following evidence-based therapy modalities: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Hi! I’m Sammy!

I employ a holistic approach to treatment, combining evidence-based methodologies with a deep understanding of the unique needs of children and their families.

My approach draws from programs including the Cool Kids Anxiety Program. Developed to address anxiety in children, this program integrates cognitive-behavioral strategies and exposure therapy, fostering resilience and empowering children to manage their anxiety effectively.

For emotion regulation, I draw upon the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), equipping children with the tools to navigate and regulate their emotions in a healthy manner. DBT not only focuses on emotional awareness but also emphasizes interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness, fostering well-rounded emotional intelligence.

Recognizing the integral role parents play in a child's development, I offer Parent Management Training. This evidence-based approach provides parents with practical tools and strategies to support their child's emotional and behavioral well-being. By strengthening the parent-child relationship and enhancing communication, we aim to create a supportive family environment that nurtures positive growth.

My approach is neuroaffirming, collaborative and creative, to incorporate the strengths of the child and the family.

Hi! I’m Selina!

Working with behavioural issues: For children between the ages of 3 and 9, who display oppositional behaviours and conduct problems, I work with an evidence-based approach known as Integrated Family Intervention. This is a behaviour-attachment-systems intervention for parents, meaning that I work solely with the parents to reshape parent’s responses to their children’s behaviours. This includes strategies such as rewards and praise, time out, and quality time. I will spend a small portion of the session time with your child however this is not the focus of treatment and it is crucial that you bring an activity to occupy your child during the session. 

As research shows that treatment is most effective when both parents are involved (or the primary caregivers of your child), it will be a requirement that both parents attend our sessions, whether in person or via telehealth. This is a short term intervention and we will require approximately 10 weekly sessions. This includes the initial assessment session. By the end of treatment we aim for you to independently manage your childs’ behaviours.

Working with anxiety: For children aged 3 to 6, who present with symptoms of anxiety, I will work predominantly with parents using an approach based on the Cool Little Kids program by Macquarie University. This is an evidence-based parenting program that aims to increase children’s confidence and decrease their worries. I spend a small portion of the session time with your child to teach them calming and coping strategies, however this is not the focus of treatment, and you must bring activities to occupy your child for when discussion is occurring between the parent and therapist. This enables you to coach your child throughout the week.

For children aged 7 to 12, who present with symptoms of anxiety, I use an approach based on the Cool Kids program by Macquarie University. This is an evidence-based, manualised treatment that includes spending individual time with the child and then reiterating their learned content with parents. Much of the treatment involves homework and practical activities to be carried out outside of sessions, thus, it is crucial that parents are actively involved and ensure that their child completes the set tasks for the week. It is recommended that you bring an activity for your child for when discussions are occurring between the parent and therapist.

For high school students, who present with symptoms of anxiety, I use an approach based on the Chilled Teens program by Macquarie University. This is an evidence-based, manualised treatment that involves teaching adolescents cognitive and practical strategies to cope with their worries. Whilst parental involvement is not necessary, it is always encouraged. 

Hi! I’m Katherine!

It is a pleasure to welcome you to Succeed Psychology and I look forward to meeting you at your initial appointment. For most people, attending their first appointment can feel nerve-wracking and they can be unsure what to expect at the first session, and what ongoing therapy will involve. I have outlined below my general approach to therapy to answer some of these commonly asked questions.

The initial one to two sessions are an opportunity to discuss the main concerns for your child and family, and for me to gather relevant background information that will help me to understand your child, family and circumstances better. Typically this session will involve parents and the child, although older adolescents may prefer to attend the session by themselves. Where this is sensitive information that a parent or child may prefer to discuss without other family member/s present, time can be allocated (usually at the next session) to discuss these concerns. The initial sessions are also an opportunity to develop shared goals and to discuss an initial treatment plan.

During subsequent intervention sessions I will work collaboratively with both the child and parents towards the goals we have established for therapy. Sessions are usually structured to allow time for feedback and updates with both parents and child, and some individual time with the child. Sessions with older adolescents will usually have more emphasis on individual sessions with the teenager. Parental involvement is still valued, however may be less frequent than with younger children. The right for older adolescents to have a confidential space to discuss their concerns is encouraged and respected. 

I use evidence based intervention strategies that have been shown through research studies to be effective in reducing emotional and behavioural difficulties. Tasks are often given to families (both parents and/or child) to work on between sessions. This is vitally important to the outcomes of therapy. It is essential that tasks be practiced between sessions to experience the benefits of therapy. One of the goals of therapy will be to help parents and children to feel confident to independently manage once a course of treatment has been completed, and working on tasks between sessions will help to achieve this confidence.

It is recommended that families commit to a course of 6-10 sessions. It can take some time for changes to be noticed and hence a commitment to therapy is recommended to give time to build a range of skills and observe their effectiveness. It is expected that some difficulties will arise over the course of therapy in implementing skills as it can be challenging to alter long-term habits of thinking and behaviour, and parent-child dynamics. Part of our work together will be to help to overcome these challenges so that you can experience the benefits of the skills learned in sessions.

This is a general outline of my approach to sessions. After meeting with you and understanding your circumstances, I will discuss with you my recommendations for treatment and outline a plan that is tailored to your goals. These goals and the treatment plan will be reviewed regularly over the course of therapy and adjusted as necessary.

Hi! I’m Adrian!

I look forward to meeting with you to discuss how I can best be of service to you and your family. The below information will help you understand what to expect regarding treatment and the therapy process.

Behaviour Management (ages 3-9): I have a deep respect for the important role parents play in the lives of their children. Therefore, I offer a program that aims to empower parents with evidence-based skills to manage child behaviour in a manner that places the emotional bond between them at the center of the treatment.

A parent-focused approach for child behaviour problems is widely understood in the psychology community to be the gold-standard treatment, with a wealth of scientific studies supporting its efficacy. This means that sessions will mainly involve consultation with parents to empower them with strategies to manage child behaviour. I’m passionate about ensuring such treatments are implemented optimally to maximise the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes for children and their families. As such, both parents (or primary caregivers) are strongly recommended to attend all sessions, as this is a strong predictor of positive treatment outcomes. Treatment includes a program of approximately 15 therapy sessions with the aim of ensuring parents feel confident to manage their child’s behaviour independently.

Child and Adolescent Anxiety (ages 7-17): I offer an anxiety management program for children and teens struggling with anxiety. This intervention includes a course of therapy sessions aiming to not only help reduce symptoms of anxiety, but to equip kids and their families with the skills necessary to independently manage their anxiety on a long-term basis.

For younger children and teens, an important part of this program is parental attendance and participation in consultations. Parents will be expected to assist their child in performing therapeutic exercises between sessions and to learn about the important role they play in helping their child overcome anxiety. This program draws upon decades of cognitive-behavioural-therapy research to deliver a solid, evidence-based, gold-standard treatment for young people struggling with anxiety.

I love working with children, adolescents and families to equip them with strategies to manage more difficult times, improve their overall wellbeing and live their best lives!

My work begins with a thorough, holistic approach, starting with a detailed diagnostic assessment that considers the many factors influencing a child’s well-being, including family dynamics, school environment, social interactions, and developmental history. My assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of each child’s unique circumstances, laying the foundation for effective, individualised treatment.

I primarily work within cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) frameworks, providing children with practical tools to manage their emotions, behaviours, and thoughts. I do this using interactive activities, story telling and colourful age-appropriate worksheets. As an accredited provider of the Cool Kids Program, I am equipped to help children with anxiety develop valuable coping strategies that foster resilience, confidence building and courage.

My therapeutic approach is neuroaffirming, focusing on identifying each child’s strengths, interests, and potential to ensure they feel seen and valued. My aim is to empower children and their families, helping them develop a strong sense of self-worth. I also support parents by implementing evidence-based behavioural interventions that promote positive change within the family, helping to build a supportive environment in which the child can thrive.