Children’s Therapy
It can be surprising, both for adults and children, that there is a need for child psychology services. But children, like adults, can encounter a range of stresses and problems that they’re ill-equipped to deal with.
What is Children’s Therapy?
Children’s therapy, or child psychology, is a specialised form of counselling designed to help children and their parents navigate emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. At Armchair Psychology in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, we understand that children—just like adults—encounter stressors they are not equipped to handle alone. Our collaborative treatment is designed to build your child’s resilience, address underlying distress, and provide your family with the practical tools needed to reclaim a happy, functional home life.
Our Approach to Child Psychology
Therapy for children looks fundamentally different than therapy for adults. We know that young children do not respond well to just “sitting and talking.”
Instead, our psychologists at our Edgecliff clinic focus on structured, age-appropriate activities, play, and engaging discussions. We work collaboratively with both the child and their parents to establish clear goals and create tangible change for a positive tomorrow.
Common Issues We Address
Children process stress differently than adults, often acting out behaviourally rather than expressing their feelings verbally. We provide evidence-based support for a wide range of childhood challenges, including:
Emotional Wellbeing: Managing childhood anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and grief.
Behavioural & Social Challenges: Addressing behavioural problems at home or school, bullying, and peer relationship issues.
Family Dynamics: Supporting children through family separation, divorce, or major life transitions.
Complex Needs: Navigating trauma, coping with chronic pain, and addressing early-onset eating disorders.
Specific conditions we focus on is our sessions include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Behavioural problems
- Family separation
- Stress
- Bullying
- Chronic pain
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Trauma
Have A Free Chat With One Of Our Psychologists
We’d love to get to know more about you. Fill in the form and one of our team will contact you as soon as possible.
Our Psychologists
What Parents Can Expect
1. Initial Parent Consultation: We typically begin by meeting with the parents first to understand the family history, the specific behaviours causing concern, and the goals for therapy.
2. Engaging Child Sessions: We use evidence-based techniques to help your child safely express their feelings and learn emotional regulation.
3. Practical Parenting Tools: Treating a child requires a team effort. We equip parents with specific strategies, communication frameworks and behavioural plans to reinforce the therapy at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Therapy
Do parents stay in the room during the sessions?
It entirely depends on your child’s age and comfort level. For the initial assessment, we will speak with you directly. For ongoing sessions with very young children, parents often stay in the room. For older primary school children, we gradually encourage one-on-one time to help them build independent trust with their psychologist. We will always collaborate with you to determine the most effective approach for your child’s specific needs.
How should I explain going to therapy to my child?
Keep it simple, positive, and age-appropriate. Avoid making it sound like a punishment or using medicalised words like “doctor,” which can cause anxiety. Instead, try saying something like: “We are going to visit someone whose job is to help kids figure out big feelings and learn cool new ways to solve problems.” Frame our Edgecliff clinic as a safe, dedicated space to play, talk, and learn.
What if my child refuses to talk to the psychologist?
This is completely normal! We do not expect children to sit perfectly still on a couch and articulate complex emotional distress. If a child is shy, anxious, or resistant, we do not force them to talk. Instead, our psychologists are highly trained to use therapeutic play, drawing, and structured games to build a connection and understand what your child is experiencing beneath the surface.
Will you tell me what my child talks about in their session?
We actively balance your child’s need for a safe, confidential space with your need to know how to support them at home. While we will not report back on every single detail of their play or conversation, we will consistently share the overarching themes, track their progress, and give you the specific behavioural strategies you need to implement as parents.
Note: If we ever assess that your child is at risk of harm, we will inform you immediately.
Can we claim child therapy sessions through Medicare?
Yes. Under the Better Access initiative, if your child visits a General Practitioner (GP), Paediatrician, or Psychiatrist and receives a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP), they are eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychological sessions per calendar year. This significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Our reception team can process these rebates for you directly on the spot.
Are parents involved in the "homework" between sessions?
Absolutely. Treating a child requires a team effort, and you are the most important part of that team. An hour of therapy a week is highly effective, but the real change happens at home. We will frequently give parents specific, practical tasks—such as implementing a new routine, trying a different communication script, or practicing emotional regulation exercises with your child between visits.
General FAQs
Why should I see a psychologist?
If you want to find out how to move your life forward, and achieve happiness – you should see a psychologist.
By being empathic but independent, the psychologists at Armchair Psychology can give you a crucial understanding of how to achieve your personal and emotional goals.
How many sessions will I need?
After our first few sessions together, we should be able to evaluate how much time you will need. However, there is no hard and fast rule, and this is a process that is a part of your journey.
Life’s important journeys can take time – it’s important to remember that.
How often will I have sessions?
However, sometimes more frequent sessions, or spacing them further apart, makes more sense in terms of your growth. That is something which can be discussed during your sessions with your psychologist.
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