Attachment theory developed by John Bowlby emphasised the emotional bonds formed between a child and their care giver.  Bowlbys work showed that early attachments shape the child's future and their sense of security.  Bowlby's reasearch laid the foundation for how attachment style affect mental health and behaviour throughout childhood and life course.  Attachment theory is foundational in child and adolescent therapy and informs practical implemenation of focused psychological strategies. 

Co-regulation helps children gradually develop their own ability to regulate emotions. Learn more in our article on Polyvagal Theory and the Window of Tolerance.

EMDR is adapted to be developmentally appropriate while maintaining fidelity to the model. With children, EMDR often incorporates play, storytelling and creative techniques to help them feel safe, engaged and supported throughout the therapeutic process. This approach can help treat a range of concerns, including anxiety, trauma, behavioural difficulties, phobias, grief, and low self-esteem.  As a Medicare-registered counsellor and Victim Services provider, I provide a compassionate and structured environment where children can heal, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping with their experiences.  In my clinical experience, children and young people often respond very well to EMDR. Their memory networks are generally less complex than those of adults, which may allow therapeutic processing to occur more efficiently for some young people.  Every child is different, and treatment is always tailored to their individual needs and readiness.  Children with "capital T" trauma will likely need advanced preparations before reprocessing to widen the Window of Tolerance. 

Counselling helps children and adolescents:

• Understand and express difficult emotions

• Manage anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation

• Navigate friendship and peer challenges

• Build resilience and self-confidence

• Strengthen's care giver/child relationships with emphasis on attachment needs, and the child's need for emotional coregulation.

Through developmentally appropriate methods — including play therapy, creative expression, and reflective discussion — young clients are guided to make sense of their inner world in a supportive and age-sensitive way.

Family dynamics play a key role in a child’s emotional wellbeing. I work systemically with parents and caregivers, both individually and together with their child, to strengthen family relationships and improve communication.

Parents and care givers are supported with practical strategies to manage behavioural and emotional challenges, and to create a more connected, nurturing home environment.  Read article Understanding the Circle of Security® to learn how secure attachment supports children's emotional development.

I bring over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families across Sydney in a variety of contexts including Mental Health and Forensic services. 

In addition to private practice, I currently facilitate school outreach clinics through the Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing in local schools.

Children and adolescents experiencing emotional distress — whether supported under a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan or a Victims Services package — are warmly welcomed in my clinic.