Psychology

Here at CliniKids, we understand that raising a child with a developmental difference or autism can come with wonderful moments of joy and very unique challenges.

Our compassionate, understanding Psychology team, including Clinical Psychologists, focus first on providing a safe, warm, welcoming space for you and your family to share your story, your strengths and your concerns, then work together with you to better understand what might be underlying the difficulties and develop a plan to move forward together.

Our Psychology team has extensive experience working with children and their families to address:

• Anxiety
• Self-regulation difficulties
• Low mood
• Challenging behaviours
• Support for siblings
• Understanding an autism diagnosis
• Support for the whole family

The team are trained in a variety of evidence-based intervention techniques, with a strong focus on attachment frameworks (i.e., parent-child relationship, interactions, attunement) at the heart of all therapies.

Clinicians also directly support parents, such as increasing their understanding of autism and developmental delays, reflecting on their parenting styles (beliefs, assumptions and family of origin), processing diagnoses, and supporting parents’ personal coping strategies. Consideration of how the family functions as an entire system is also foundational in our work.

The Psychology team work closely with our Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary service that is individualised to best suit the unique needs of your family. We offer rebated sessions through Medicare or private health insurance.

What support does CliniKids offer siblings?

Siblings play an important role in families and in the lives of autistic children. Some researchers have found that siblings of children with autism can experience heightened stress, responsibility and emotional difficulties.

Our sibling support program has been specifically developed to support siblings of autistic children. The program focuses on supporting the sibling to understand autism better, as well as learn strategies to enhance their own wellbeing and resilience. It is available as a group program (CliniSibs) or as a 1:1 program (Sib Support).

Families can access Sibling Support services via telehealth or face-to-face in our clinics.

Find out more about Sibling Support at CliniKids here.

How do I get started?

If you're interested in hearing more about Psychology services at CliniKids, please submit an online enquiry to us via the below link.