We are clinical psychologists who work exclusively with children, adolescents, parents and families.  We enjoy working with children and adolescents aged from 2 to 24 years, and their parents or families.  We see our clients for a wide variety of reasons, some of which are described below.

Assessment and treatment for a range of difficulties in children and adolescents aged 2 to 24 years, including:

• emotional problems such as anxiety/worries, fears, depression, tantrums, anger, stress reactions, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• behavioural problems such as home or school discipline problems, oppositional behaviours
• relationship problems such as poor peer relationships, parent-child conflict, or difficulties related to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism)
• habit or self-care problems such as sleeping difficulties and toileting problems
• adjustment difficulties such as coping with major life events (for example, family changes or grief)

Treatments are individualised for each client.  All our psychologists are highly trained and experienced in using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with children and adolescents, and skilled in presenting therapy to children and families in a playful, hands-on way.  Other treatment approaches that we use include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, behavioural skills training, parenting interventions, family therapy, play therapy, and kinder or school-based interventions.

Intellectual and Educational Assessments:

• Intellectual (cognitive) and educational assessments, to provide information about a young person’s strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations to assist with development, learning, or classroom behaviour
• Assessment and assistance regarding high intellectual potential, giftedness, developmental issues, learning difficulties, or kindergarten/school issues

Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments and interventions, including:

• Autism or Asperger’s assessments
• Interventions to assist children who have a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder with emotional, behavioural, or educational difficulties.

Counselling for children and youth, such as:

• support in adjusting to life changes or coping with stress
• building self-esteem, coping skills, or healthy body image

Parenting support and assistance:

• to promote children’s development, improve children’s behaviour and self-esteem, and build strong relationships between parents and children
• to provide parents with practical assistance in dealing with challenges

Parenting Seminars may be offered on topics such as helping your child manage worries, fears or anxiety; helping your child manage anger; managing children’s difficult behaviours; and positive parenting approaches.  We welcome enquiries from preschools, schools and other organisations who may like to host a presentation for the parents in their community.

Supervision services to other psychologists, clinical psychology registrars, or post-graduate psychology students, who are working with children, adolescents, parents or families.  For information regarding supervision services please contact Dr Suzanne Barrett directly.  Supervision is available with Suzanne in Kew or Greensborough, or via Skype or phone.  Additional days and times are available for supervision with Suzanne, including evenings.

Emergency Services are not provided.  Should you require support for a crisis or after hours emergency, please contact the Child, Adolescent or Adult Mental Health Services in your area (see www.health.vic.gov.au to locate the appropriate service to assist you in your area).  The following telephone counselling services may also be of support.

Lifeline:   13 11 14     Kids Help Line:   1800 551 800        Parentline:    13 22 89