The Kids Anxiety Clinic
Support for children aged 6-18 whose anxiety symptoms are holding them back from living their life. Together we can help your child ditch the worries that are keeping them stuck, so they can get back to doing the things they love with confidence and ease.
Book a sessionLet's help your child find their 'brave'
Anxiety is a really normal and healthy human experience. But sometimes, it gets a little out of hand - too big and overwhelming for our children to manage on their own.
And if you are the parent of a child with anxiety, you know that it can impact their entire life. It affects relationships, school, family life and even your child's belief in themselves and their abilities.
And as a parent, it can leave you feeling frustrated and helpless. Feeling unsure how to help your sweet child and desperate for them to just see themselves - and believe in themselves - the way you do.
So if this is where you are right now, I want you to know it doesn't have to be this way any more. Anxiety is very manageable when our children have the right knowledge, the right tools, and safe, supportive adults to guide them.
How can you tell if your child needs support with anxiety?
Well...do any of these sound like your child?
- They avoid situations that make them feel nervous or have recently been extra "clingy" in situations that were previously not a problem for them
- They are not able to go to school, or they are needing a lot of convincing or reassurance to attend. They may be frequently complaining of headaches, stomach aches or other physical ailments before school each morning
- They are declining social invitations or not participating in fun activities with friends even though you know they'd like to
- They are having big meltdowns or tantrums when things don't go to plan
- They're not handing in homework or assignments or struggling to complete work on time because they are trying to get it "just right"
- They are struggling to separate from you or needing to be close to you and aware of where you are at all times
- They've been lashing out, running away or becoming angry and even aggressive when things don't go the way they expected or wanted them to
- They are laying awake at night due to worries, or experiencing nightmares that are disturbing their sleep
Whether you nodded your head at just a few of these, or all of them, you're in the right place.
Wondering if now is the right time for therapy?
I know it's tempting to dismiss some of these experiences as just a part of growing up. That you might wonder if this is just a phase your child is going through, if it might pass on its own. If therapy is really necessary. You might be tempted to just "wait and see" what happens.
And I get it. Bringing your child to therapy is a BIG decision. A difficult decision. But watching your child struggle is even more difficult. It's heartbreaking.
And untreated anxiety DOES NOT get better on its own. In fact the longer we leave these symptoms, the worse they tend to get. So if you're here, reading this, and wondering if it's the right time to get your child help, the answer is more than likely a resounding YES. Because the earlier we treat anxiety, the better the prognosis.
So let's do this.
Book your appointment now
Here's how we're going to help your child:
Children with anxiety need three things from the adults supporting them
1. Connection
Your child needs to know that they are safe and that you've got them. I'll support you to support them, so you know how to help them feel more safe and secure, without accidentally encouraging excessive reassurance seeking or avoidance that actually worsens anxiety.
2. Validation
Your child needs to know that you understand them, and how hard this is for them. I'll help you learn how to respond to your child in a way that helps them feel heard and understood without inadvertently reinforcing unhelpful or irrational fears and worries.
3. Confidence
Your child needs to know that you believe in them and in their ability to get through this. I'll teach you both coping skills and strategies for taking control of your child's anxiety, without pushing your child to do things they are not ready for, or throwing them into the deep end!
Ready to make an appointment? It's super easy:
1. Submit an enquiry using the button below. Or, if you'd like to chat to me first, you can schedule in a quick 15 minute intake call so I can get an idea of what's been going on for your child recently and how I might be able to help. This is your chance to ask me any questions and ensure we are a good fit to work together.
2. If you'd like to work together to support your child with their anxiety, we'll book an initial consultation. This appointment allows me to really get to know you and your child and create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
3. Once we have a clear plan, therapy can begin. Both you and your child will attend appointments together, so you know exactly how to support them at home. You may also like to book a couple of appointments just for you, to talk about how to best help your child. How long we work together will depend on your goals and on your unique situation. But as a general guide, I recommend a minimum of 10 fortnightly sessions.
Get in touch!
Planning to use the Medicare Rebate?
No problem at all! Your child is eligible for up to 10 medicare rebated psychology sessions per calendar year, which means for each 50 minute session your child attends, you will receive approximately $93 back. To access this rebate, you will need to visit your GP to get a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Here's how it works:
1. Schedule an appointment with your GP - be sure to mention that you need a Mental Health Care Plan for your child - many GPs will schedule a longer appointment for this.
2. Once your MHCP is completed, email it through to me, along with your referral PRIOR to your appointment. I must have a copy of your referral before our appointment or you will not be eligible for the rebate.
3. Your GP will approve 6 sessions initially. After your first 6 sessions, I will send through a progress report to your GP, and you will need to return to see them for a review and to discuss how treatment is going.
4. After this review, your GP will approve a further 4 sessions. Once your 10 sessions are complete, your child may continue to see me for therapy, but they will not be eligible for further rebated sessions until the next calendar year.
Book a session today!
To schedule in your free 15 minute intake call, just click the button below to be taken to my calendar. Appointments are available Monday - Thursday between 9am and 3pm AEST.
Book a free intake callStill got questions?
No problem! Let's answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get. If your question is not covered here, please feel free to send me through an email, or jump on a 15 minute intake call so I can answer in person!
