Information for referrers

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Psychological support may be helpful when a child is experiencing 

• Anxiety, excessive worry or fears 
• Separation anxiety or difficulty attending school 
• Emotional dysregulation, intense anger or frequent distress 
• Behavioural challenges that may reflect underlying emotional, developmental, relational or sensory needs d
• Adjustment to family separation, relocation, illness, grief or other significant changes 
• Difficulties with confidence, relationships or social participation 
• The effects of stressful, adverse or traumatic experiences 
• Neurodevelopmental differences affecting emotional wellbeing, regulation or family functioning 
• Difficulties expressing or making sense of emotions and experiences 
• Parent–child relationship strain or a need for caregiver guidance

Psychological therapy begins with understanding the child within the context of their development, relationships, family system, school environment, strengths and current concerns.

Intervention is tailored to the child and family and may include:

• Direct psychological therapy with the child
• Developmentally appropriate therapeutic play
• Child-centred and integrative play therapy approaches
• Emotional literacy and regulation support
• Anxiety and coping strategies
• Psychoeducation for children and caregivers
• Parent consultation and caregiver guidance
• Support for parent–child relationships
• Filial or child–parent relationship based therapeutic support, where appropriate
• Collaboration with schools, GPs, paediatricians and allied health professionals, with consent
• Review of progress and adjustment of therapy goals over time

Therapeutic play is used within a broader psychological framework. It is not a one-size-fits-all intervention. Play may be used because it is a developmentally familiar way for children to communicate, process experiences, practise skills, explore relationships and engage safely in therapy.

Referrals are welcomed from 

• General Practitioners 
• Paediatricians
• Psychiatrists
• Allied health professionals
• NDIS support coordinators
• Child and family services
• Parents and caregivers
• Families may also self-refer.

Medical Objects is the preferred communication for referrers.

Once a referral or enquiry is received, families will be contacted to discuss suitability, availability and next steps.

Please note that submitting a referral does not guarantee that the service will be suitable. Referral suitability is considered based on the child’s needs, presenting concerns, risk level, family goals, service scope and current availability.

This practice provides outpatient psychological intervention and caregiver support. It is not an emergency or crisis service and does not provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments, family court reports or acute mental health care.