Child and Youth Psychology Services

Overview of Child & Youth Psychology

Child and youth psychology focuses on supporting the emotional, social, behavioural and developmental wellbeing of children and adolescents. This area of psychology recognises that young people experience rapid physical, cognitive and emotional changes, and may need support to understand their feelings, build skills, and navigate life at home, school and in the community.

Children and teenagers think, feel and communicate differently from adults. Because of this, therapy is adapted to their developmental stage, attention span, learning needs and individual personality. Sessions are playful, creative and structured to help young people feel safe and understood while still working toward meaningful therapeutic goals.

Child and youth psychologists work closely with families, caregivers, teachers, paediatricians and other professionals when appropriate. This ensures a collaborative, holistic approach that supports the young person across all environments.

At Drop of Life Psychology & Wellness, we provide developmentally-informed, evidence-based therapy to help children and adolescents manage challenges, understand their emotions, build resilience, and feel more confident in themselves and their relationships.

How We Support Children & Adolescents

Therapy for children and teens is tailored to their unique developmental stage and individual needs. We use approaches such as CBT, ACT, play-based strategies, narrative approaches, and skills training to help young people:

• Understand and express their feelings
• Strengthen emotional regulation skills
• Improve problem-solving and decision-making
• Develop social, communication and friendship skills
• Build resilience and healthy coping strategies
• Navigate changes in family, school or peer relationships
• Increase confidence and self-esteem
• Feel supported during stressful or overwhelming life events

For young children, sessions often involve play, stories, drawing and movement. For teens, therapy may include practical skills, talk therapy, values exploration, and support with identity, independence and social pressures.

Parent involvement is an essential part of child psychology. When appropriate, we provide parenting support, psychoeducation, behaviour strategies, and guidance to help strengthen the home environment and support the child’s progress.

Common Reasons Children & Teens Seek Support

Children and adolescents come to therapy for many different concerns. Some frequent presenting issues include:

Emotional & Behavioural Concerns

• Anxiety
• Low mood, sadness or withdrawal
• Anger, irritability or emotional outbursts
• Worrying excessively
• Difficulty coping with change
• Perfectionism

School-Related Concerns

• School refusal or anxiety
• Learning difficulties
• Exam stress or academic pressure
• Motivation and attention challenges
• Social difficulties with peers
• Bullying (in person or online)

Family & Relationship Concerns

• Parental separation or blended family adjustments
• Challenges in sibling relationships
• Changes in family roles
• Communication difficulties

Developmental & Social Skills Concerns

• Delays in social or emotional development
• Difficulty making or keeping friends
• Trouble understanding social cues
• Behaviour concerns at home or school

Life Transitions

• Moving schools
• Puberty and identity development
• Loss, grief or major life changes
• Adjustment to new routines

Trauma & Stress

• Exposure to stressful or overwhelming events
• Trauma responses (nightmares, avoidance, regression)
• Feeling unsafe or overly fearful

Our Approach With Parents & Caregivers

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in a child’s wellbeing. Our team works together with families to:

• Understand what the child is experiencing
• Strengthen attachment, communication and connection
• Support behaviour management and emotional coaching
• Create consistency across home and school
• Build routines and structure that promote wellbeing

Where appropriate, we collaborate with teachers, guidance counsellors, paediatricians, psychiatrists, and other allied-health professionals to ensure a comprehensive support system.

What Therapy Looks Like for Children & Teens

For Younger Children (approx. 4–11 years)

Therapy may include:

• Play-based interventions
• Art, drawing, storytelling and role-play
• Emotional recognition and regulation skills
• Behaviour strategies
• Social skills and confidence building
• Parent sessions to support progress at home

For Adolescents (approx. 12–17 years)

Therapy may include:

• CBT or ACT-based strategies
• Values exploration and identity support
• Developing emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Communication and relationship skills
• Safe space to talk about peer stress, family conflict or school pressures
• Psychoeducation about mental health

Teen sessions offer privacy, safety and respect, while still balancing parental involvement in a developmentally appropriate way.

How We Support School-Related Needs

School can be a major stressor for many young people. We assist with:

• School refusal
• Exam or performance anxiety
• Classroom behaviour challenges
• Learning difficulties (with referrals for assessments if needed)
• Advocacy with schools for support or adjustments
• Transitions between schools or year levels

When needed, we can provide letters, reports, or collaborate with the school for learning or behavioural support.

When to Seek Help

Parents may consider seeking support when they notice:

• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
• Ongoing emotional distress
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Increase in fears, worries or anxiety
• Persistent sadness or irritability
• Challenges coping with school or home life
• Difficulty managing big emotions
• Behaviour concerns affecting family life
• Regression in developmental skills
• Signs of burnout, stress or overwhelm

Early support can make a significant difference in helping a child feel safe, capable and confident as they grow.

We Accept a Range of Referrals

We welcome:

• Private clients
• GP referrals (MHCP)
• NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed)
• WorkCover
• DVA
• Insurance referrals

If You Need Immediate Help

If your child is at risk of harm, please call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
Other supports include:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467