All child and family psychologists practicing at Southside have completed postgraduate level training in clinical psychology, which includes training in the treatment of childhood mental disorders, as well as child and family therapy, followed by further training in a range of evidence-based therapy approaches for children and their caregivers and families. This includes cognitive behavioural therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and family systems therapy. Your child will be matched with a psychologist who has experience in working with your child's particular difficulties.
Following a detailed clinical assessment, your psychologist will select the approach that is best suited to the needs of your child. Concerns may include, but are not limited to:
Emotional Difficulties
- Depression
- Generalised anxiety
- Obsessions and compulsions
- Phobias
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Separation anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Trauma
Life Events
- Adjustment issues
- Grief and loss
- Post-traumatic stress
- Change of family / new siblings
Behavioural Difficulties
- ADHD behavioural management / attention issues Anger management
- Behavioural difficulties at school
- Oppositional behaviours
- School refusal
Other
- Body image issues
- Eating disorders
- Family/sibling relationship difficulties
- Giftedness
- Sexuality
- Sleep problems
The full assessment may include a family appointment, a parent-only appointment and, depending on the nature of the issue and your child's age, an individual assessment appointment with your child. This is explained in the confirmation email that will be sent to you prior to your initial appointment and your psychologist will discuss this with you when you attend this initial appointment.
Our Philosophy
Regardless of the issues or concerns parents bring regarding their children, our approach is to pay careful attention to assessing and supporting the security in the relationship between children and their parents or primary caregivers. We are dedicated to drawing on decades of Attachment Theory research which demonstrates that secure children have better emotional and relationship capacities and skills which, in turn, results in the more desirable prosocial behaviours parents want. Based on this research, and because we understand and appreciate that, while rewarding, parenting can present overwhelming challenges, our work with children always includes a component of parenting support which we require parents to commit to as part of their child's treatment. This may include parent-only sessions and/or joint family sessions, as needed. We are passionate about seeing family relationships thrive and believe that this approach is essential to better treatment outcomes for children and their families. Alongside the chosen treatment approach for your child's specific challenges, your psychologist will incorporate aspects of the attachment-theory-informed Circle of Security Programme when working with preschool and primary aged children and their families in order to support these relationships.
*A note regarding separation/divorce:
Family separation is a delicate and complicated matter for parents and their children, and requires specialised intervention, including a basic grounding in the family law process. Our therapists do not hold training in this area and therefore regrettably cannot accept referrals for children and their families currently undergoing this life transition. In these instances, we recommend practitioners who can offer this vital expertise. Our therapists only work with families in cases where legal proceedings have been concluded, and both custodial parents are available and able to amicably and equally participate in the process of treatment at all times.
