By Allen 
Watching your child struggle with emotional or behavioural challenges can leave you feeling helpless as a parent. Whether they’re facing difficulties at school, experiencing anxiety, or dealing with changes at home, children often lack the tools to process complex emotions effectively. When left unaddressed, these challenges can impact their confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we understand the importance of finding the right child psychologists in Adelaide. Our team of professional psychologists are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care for children and adolescents seeking therapy. We recognise that every child is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet their individual needs.
Children can face a variety of challenges at home and in school, often lacking the emotional regulation skills and strategies to manage these situations. When children experience difficulties, they may end up feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad without having the skills to deal with such emotions. During these times, therapy can offer comfort, support and strategies to manage these difficulties.
Our compassionate team of psychologists can help children build the skills and confidence to address and overcome issues, whether at school, at home, or with their peers. Through therapy, we address these challenges using evidence-based therapies to equip children with the tools to manage and process their emotions.
How a Psychologist Can Help Support Your Child
Through therapy, children can gain a deeper understanding of their feelings, develop effective coping strategies, and build the necessary skills to navigate complicated life events. Psychology sessions provide a safe space where children can express themselves without judgement and learn practical techniques for managing their emotions.
Adelaide Clinical Psychology commonly assists patients with concerns such as:
- Behavioural Problems: Managing disruptive behaviours and developing positive coping strategies
- Low Confidence: Building self-esteem and fostering a positive self-image
- Grief and Loss: Processing difficult emotions following the loss of a loved one
- Family Changes: Adapting to divorce, separation, or blended family dynamics
- Bullying: Developing resilience and strategies to address peer conflicts
- Low Self-Esteem: Strengthening self-worth and encouraging positive self-talk
- Learning Problems: Supporting children with academic challenges and learning differences
- Separation Issues: Managing anxiety related to being away from parents or caregivers
- Specific Phobias: Overcoming fears that interfere with daily activities
- Compulsion Disorders: Addressing repetitive behaviours and intrusive thoughts
- Emotional Issues: Developing healthy ways to express and regulate emotions
Evidence-Based Modalities for Your Child
We understand that many parents are looking for clarity and confidence when it comes to taking their child to therapy. Our process is flexible, gentle, evidence-based, and goal-oriented. Our psychologists implement a range of therapies based on your and your child’s therapeutic goals.
We aim to achieve the best outcomes for your child by utilising treatment modalities that we believe will be the most effective. Here are the specific therapies we offer:
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
A practical approach that helps children regulate their emotions, manage stress, and improve interpersonal relationships. DBT teaches mindfulness skills, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation techniques that children can use in their daily lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
This approach encourages children to accept difficult feelings while committing to actions aligned with their goals and values. ACT helps children develop psychological flexibility and resilience when facing challenging situations.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children understand and manage the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, empowering them to overcome challenges. This therapy teaches children to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more balanced thinking.
Schema Therapy
A targeted approach to addressing deep-rooted patterns that may impact a child’s emotional wellbeing and development. Schema therapy helps children understand how early experiences shape their current behaviour and relationships.
Each child has different needs and will benefit differently from these specific therapies. Treatment information can be further discussed with your child’s psychologist during the initial consultation.
What Makes Our Practice Different To Other Psychologists in Adelaide?
We are committed to fostering a warm and therapeutic space where children can feel at ease, build confidence, and engage in the process without fear or anxiety. We understand that meaningful progress happens when children feel safe and supported in expressing themselves and exploring their challenges.
Our team carefully adapts a range of modern therapeutic techniques to suit each child’s unique circumstances. By combining evidence-based strategies with creative, play-based activities, we strive to make the experience both comfortable and effective.
This interactive and practical approach not only eases emotional tension but also helps children develop valuable tools to navigate stress and uncertainty. By keeping therapy engaging and child-friendly, we aim to inspire lasting growth and resilience.
Family-Centred Approach
In addition to working with your child during therapy sessions, we actively involve you, the parent, to help generalize the skills learned in therapy. We coach you on how to support your child in applying these new skills at school, at home, with friends, and in managing their emotions. This collaborative approach strengthens the effectiveness of treatment and ensures that the strategies taught in therapy translate into your child’s everyday life.
We recognise that parents play a crucial role in their child’s therapeutic journey. Our psychologists provide guidance on how to support your child’s progress at home and maintain the positive changes achieved through therapy.
How to Book Your First Appointment
While many families feel excited to begin their therapy journey, we also understand that taking the first step can be nerve-wracking. Whatever you’re feeling, our goal is to make the experience as welcoming and reassuring as possible.
Our warm and friendly reception team is here to support you from the beginning. They’ll help match your child with the most suitable psychologist and happily answer any questions you may have, whether it’s about your appointment, the therapy process, Medicare rebates, or private health insurance options.
The booking process is straightforward and designed to put both you and your child at ease:
- Initial Contact: Reach out by calling our practice on 08 7120 7408 or by completing our contact form on our website
- Consultation: We’ll discuss your child’s needs and match them with the most suitable psychologist
- Welcome Pack: You’ll receive important information about what to expect and how to prepare for your first appointment
- First Session: Your child will meet with their psychologist to begin building rapport and establishing therapeutic goals
Taking the Next Step for Your Child’s Wellbeing
Finding the right support for your child’s emotional and behavioural challenges is one of the most important steps you can take as a parent. At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we’re committed to providing your child with the tools, strategies, and support they need to thrive.
Our experienced team of psychologists understands the unique challenges that children face and uses evidence-based approaches to help them build resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation skills. We work closely with families to ensure that the benefits of therapy extend beyond our sessions and into your child’s everyday life.