Child Psychology – Individual Therapy
Evidence-based therapy for children & Adolescents by clinical psychologists in Melbourne.
Support your child throughout development
Does your child find it difficult to regulate their emotions or behaviour? Some children experience challenges with things like making friends, paying attention in class, or managing behaviour at home. Often, these difficulties arise because a child is experiencing big emotions, finding it hard to understand their feelings, or attempting to navigate the psychological growing pains that come with learning and development.
Whilst these experiences are a common part of growing up, you and your child do not have to navigate them alone. At Social Skills Melbourne, our clinical psychologists provide space for you and your child to gain a deeper understanding of these emotions, building the skills and resilience needed to thrive throughout life. We offer individual child psychology sessions, parenting support, social skills groups and clinical assessments.
Our Therapeutic Approach
Every child is unique. Accordingly, we develop individualised therapy plans for each child, drawing on evidence-based interventions that target emotional, behavioural and social development. Our approach draws on frameworks such as:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Social Emotional Learning and Skills Training
- Parenting Sessions
- Psychoeducation
- Play-based Therapy
- Multi-Media Based Therapy
Meeting Children Where They Are At
We recognize that traditional “talk therapy” isn’t always the best fit for young minds. That is why we incorporate play, art and multimedia interventions into our sessions, where appropriate.
By using role-playing scenarios, we help children map new skills from the safety of the therapy room to the reality of the schoolyard. Through the use of social stories and other multi-media formats, we teach social and emotional skills, helping children recognise and manage emotions in themselves and others.
Common Challenges We Work With
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autistic and neurodivergent children can posses a range of unique strengths, but also experience several challenges. It can be difficult for children with ASD to make and maintain friendships at school, and it can also be hard for them to understand social dynamics as they become older. Learning strategies to regulate their own emotions, and recognise the emotions and perspectives of others, is essential in helping them develop healthy social skills, and excel throughout development.
Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD)
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to focus in class or sit still. ADHD can also cause emotional and behavioural dysregulation. Children with ADHD may enjoy activity and heightened stimulation, but find it difficult to control their impulses, which can lead to risk taking behaviour, and getting into trouble at school. Learning relaxation techniques, as well as ways to take charge of their energy, can help children with ADHD thrive throughout life.
Childhood Anxiety
Whilst some level of worry is to be expected throughout life, some children can experience a level of worry and anxiety that interferes with everyday life, causing them significant distress. Childhood Anxiety can come in many different forms, and often involves worry and distressing thoughts about the future. Specific forms of anxiety include Social Anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Separation Anxiety. Being able to talk with a qualified clinical psychologist about their worries, and learn how to cope with distressing feelings and thoughts as they arise throughout life, will enable your child to experience more happiness and succeed throughout development.
Childhood Depression
Many children experience low mood, a lack of energy and feelings of sadness. Childhood depression can also result in low concentration, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. The experience of clinically significant depression during childhood can have negative consequences on a child’s development, and therefore it is important to address childhood depression through therapy as early as possible. Thankfully, psychotherapy for depression in children can have a significant and lasting positive effect on the child’s experience.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can involve the experience of distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviours to try and manage those thoughts. OCD is a complex mental disorder that requires specialised therapy.