Child Psychologist - Mitcham
Practical, caring psychology support for children,
teenagers and their families in Mitcham.
Being a parent can be incredibly rewarding, but there are times when you know your child is struggling and you're simply not sure what to do next.
Perhaps you've noticed changes at home. Your child may be more anxious, emotional, withdrawn or frustrated than usual. There may be behavioural problems that are becoming difficult to manage, or school anxiety that seems to be getting worse rather than better.
At School of Life Psychology in Mitcham, our aim is to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment where children, adolescents and their families can receive practical psychological support.
If you're searching for a child psychologist because you're concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour, learning, relationships or experiences at school, we're here to help.
Sometimes it's
difficult to know
what's really
going on.
Children don't always have the words to explain what they're feeling.
What appears to be behavioural problems may be a child's way of communicating that something isn't right. Similarly, school anxiety can present in many different ways, from worrying on Sunday night to becoming upset before school or finding it increasingly difficult to attend.
Working with a child psychologist can help families explore what may be happening underneath the surface.
From our practice in Mitcham, we support children and adolescents experiencing a range of challenges, including anxiety, low mood, emotional regulation difficulties, bullying, learning needs, social difficulties, low self-esteem, family relationship challenges, behavioural problems and school anxiety.
A Child Psychologist who takes the
time to build trust.
One of the most important parts of therapy is helping a young person feel comfortable. A child psychologist shouldn't expect a child to simply walk into a room and immediately start talking about everything that's bothering them. Building rapport takes time.
At School of Life Psychology, our approach is adapted to the child's age, personality and developmental level. Our Mitcham practice has been established with this in mind.
For younger children, therapy may involve considerable parent participation. For older children and teenagers, the child psychologist may work more individually with the young person, while still providing appropriate opportunities for parent involvement and feedback.
Games, activities, conversation, creativity and even laughter can have their place in therapy. Because dealing with behavioural problems or school anxiety doesn't mean every appointment needs to feel heavy.
Is school anxiety affecting your child?
School anxiety and attendance difficulties can be incredibly challenging for the whole family. Some children can tell their parents exactly what is making school challenging, worrying or overwhelming for them. Others can't.
You might notice stomach aches, headaches, tears, sleep difficulties, irritability, avoidance or increasing distress around attending school. For some families, anxiety or overwhelm can eventually lead to significant difficulties with school attendance.
A child psychologist can work with your child and family to better understand the factors contributing to their school attendance challenges and develop strategies appropriate to their individual circumstances. Where appropriate, they can liaise with schools in providing practical recommendations to help support the child in their school environment.
At our Mitcham practice, support may also consider emotional regulation, friendships, bullying, social understanding, self-esteem, learning needs, study skills and coping with exams.
School anxiety rarely looks exactly the same for every child, which is why we believe support should be individualised rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Is school anxiety affecting your child?
School anxiety and attendance difficulties can be incredibly challenging for the whole family. Some children can tell their parents exactly what is making school challenging, worrying or overwhelming for them. Others can't.
You might notice stomach aches, headaches, tears, sleep difficulties, irritability, avoidance or increasing distress around attending school. For some families, anxiety or overwhelm can eventually lead to significant difficulties with school attendance.
A child psychologist can work with your child and family to better understand the factors contributing to their school attendance challenges and develop strategies appropriate to their individual circumstances. Where appropriate, they can liaise with schools in providing practical recommendations to help support the child in their school environment.
At our Mitcham practice, support may also consider emotional regulation, friendships, bullying, social understanding, self-esteem, learning needs, study skills and coping with exams.
School anxiety rarely looks exactly the same for every child, which is why we believe support should be individualised rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Support for big emotions behaviours.
If you're dealing with big emotions and behaviour problems at home, it's easy to become frustrated, exhausted or unsure about what to try next. There isn't always a simple explanation.
Behavioural challenges can be associated with emotional regulation, anxiety, communication difficulties, developmental differences, relationships, learning difficulties, stress or other challenges in a child's life. Our child psychologist team in Mitcham works collaboratively with families to better understand the individual child rather than simply focusing on the behaviour itself.
Understanding what's contributing to behaviours can be an important step towards identifying practical strategies for moving forward. We also provide parenting support, helping parents improve communication, develop greater consistency and explore positive strategies for managing behaviours.
Our psychologists draw on approaches including emotion coaching, Circle of Security and Tuning into Kids.
Supporting children through different stages of life.
Children and teenagers change enormously as they grow. The concerns that bring a seven-year-old to a child psychologist can be very different from those experienced by a sixteen-year-old.
Our Mitcham psychologists support families seeking assistance with anxiety, depression or low mood, emotional regulation, social skills, bullying, learning difficulties, behavioural problems, school anxiety, self-esteem, family relationships, study skills and adjusting to a diagnosis.
A child psychologist can also work collaboratively with parents, because supporting the adults around a young person is a huge part of helping that child.
A neuro-affirming
approach.
School of Life Psychology strives to provide neuro-affirming psychological support.
This philosophy extends beyond what happens during an appointment. It influences our physical environment, our therapeutic approach and the way we seek to understand each person who visits our Mitcham practice.
Whether a family is seeking a child psychologist for emotional regulation anxiety, ADHD, Autism, emotional regulation, learning difficulties or another concern, our focus is on seeing and understanding the individual.
We believe children should feel safe, respected and supported.
Educational and developmental psychology.
Sometimes parents initially contact us because of big emotions or behaviours, but have broader questions about their child's development or learning.
School of Life Psychology also offers cognitive, educational and achievement assessments, Specific Learning Disorder assessments, ADHD assessments, Autism assessments and giftedness assessments.
Being able to access therapy and assessment services through our Mitcham practice can help families better understand their child's needs. Our child psychologist approach is grounded in evidence-based practice, early intervention, prevention and collaboration.
Parents need support too.
Supporting a child experiencing behavioural problems or school anxiety can take a toll on parents as well. You may find yourself questioning whether you're responding in the right way or wondering why strategies that worked previously are no longer helping. Our child psychologist services recognise that parents are an important part of the picture.
At School of Life Psychology in Mitcham, we provide practical parenting support designed to help families better understand what's happening, strengthen communication and identify strategies that work for their circumstances. You don't need to arrive knowing exactly what the problem is.
Looking for a Child Psychologist in Mitcham?
If you're concerned about your child's wellbeing, behaviours, anxiety, learning, emotional regulation, friendships or general development, reaching out can be a helpful first step.
School of Life Psychology provides psychology services for children, adolescents, adults and families from our welcoming practice in Mitcham, supporting clients from across Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
Finding the right child psychologist is about more than qualifications. It's also about finding someone your child and family can feel comfortable with.
If big emotions are creating difficulties at home, anxiety is affecting everyday life, or you simply feel your child could benefit from additional support, you're welcome to contact School of Life Psychology.
Sometimes you don't need to have all the answers.
You just need somewhere supportive to start.