Individualised Therapy Among our many services, we provide 9 fundamental intervention and therapy services - Early Intervention programs
- Social skills training
- Anxiety treatment
- Executive functioning training
- Anger management skills
- Strategies for teasing and bullying
- Parenting support and counselling for problematic behaviour
- School based consultations
- Counselling for emotional issues
- Pregnancy support
Early Intervention Programs At Sydney Child Psychology Centre we develop and implement comprehensive early intervention programs for preschool and school aged children with pervasive developmental disorders including autism. We map out intervention goals and activities to address the child's communication, social, cognitive and daily living skills. Our programs are individualised and designed around the needs of the child. We use a variety of techniques and methods including Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Structured Teaching Principles which have been shown to produce substantial improvements in young children with developmental delays. Our programs are developed by Psychologists who specialise in autism spectrum disorders. The programs are implemented on a weekly basis by trained early intervention therapists in the home and/or preschool setting. Ongoing supervision is provided to therapists at regular "clinic" meetings held at the centre. At clinic meetings therapists and parents have the opportunity to discuss progress and modify the program. We monitor the progress of each program by using developmental assessment tools including tests that measure the severity of the autism symptoms. We work closely with parents, preschool teachers and other service providers to ensure there is consistency in each child's program. Social Skills Training For children and adolescents who may cope well within the academic environment, but otherwise become stressed and uncomfortable in social situations. Some of the more common skills taught include: • Eye contact and joint attention • Greeting others • Listening skills • Starting and ending conversations • Sharing • Asking for help • Interruptions, turn taking and changing topic in conversation • Understanding and using body language and voice tone • Developing and maintaining friendships and social networks • Problem solving and conflict resolution • Anger management • How to deal with teasing and bullying • Learning about me (self-understanding) • Understanding about others (empathy for others and perspective taking skills) • Building self confidence/self esteem Individual sessions Individual sessions are vital in laying the groundwork. By working one to one with a therapist, individuals are able to develop their skills with a positive and supportive role model. Individuals commence with a six week program consisting of a weekly one on one private session with home activities. Progress feedback is provided. Small group sessions Following completion of private sessions, individuals are prepared to apply their skills in a small group setting. Regular attendance at group sessions provides an opportunity for students to apply the new skills and build relationships. Anxiety Treatment For children and adolescents who have heightened anxiety about separation from parents, social situations, specific phobias or fear of change such as starting school. The program is based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy and focuses on identifying and changing children’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in relation to their anxiety. This is achieved by increasing children’s awareness and teaching coping strategies. ADHD Treatment / Executive Functioning Training Research has shown that ADHD impairs the processing ability of at least six "executive functions" of the brain. These are the areas responsible for activation (organising, prioritising and starting tasks), focus, effort (regulating alertness and processing speed), working memory (the ability to link intention with action), managing frustration and other emotions, and the self-regulation of behaviour. Our treatment program aims to teach and improve the following skills: - Time management;
- Organisation and problem solving;
- Goal directed persistence;
- Self-understanding;
- Emotion regulation and social functioning; and
- Flexible thinking and metacogition.
Anger Management Skills To assist children to work through their anger issues and manage confrontation instead of acting out their anger. Skills are taught in a positive and relaxed environment that aim to support and enhance cognitive and social engagement. We use visuals and session notes, role play and rehearsal, snacks and skills based games. Strategies for Teasing and Bullying Workshops and other programs enable children to learn strategies and coping mechanisms to help overcome challenging situations such as bullying. Parenting Support and Counselling for Problematic Behaviour Disruptive and antisocial behaviour is not unusual in childhood development however, if this behaviour continues frequently then a child’s academic, emotional and social development may be at risk. Sydney Child Psychology Centre provides Behaviour Management Support for parents of children with problematic behaviours. Counselling aims to strengthen parents’ skills in boundary setting, and to foster positive self-esteem in their children. The program is based on behavioural family therapy which is recognised as one of the most widely used and empirically supported therapeutic interventions for children and families. The main principles of this approach are to support parents to develop a more positive discipline style, and to promote positive parent-child interactions and relationships. Sessions cover a range of topics including rewards and praise-giving, family rules and consequences, managing sibling conflict and strong emotions, communication styles, coping skills and the program is tailored to address the needs of the child and the family. School Based Consultations: Our Psychologists can come to your child's school and discuss with teaching staff your child's issues and offer suggestions and programs that will assist your child to achieve maximum results in the classroom. Counselling for Emotional Issues: - Relationship and friendship issues
- Self-esteem
- Conflict and Parental break-up
- Academic concerns and exam stress
- Body image issues
- Grief
- Trauma
Pregnancy Support (Non-directive Pregnancy Support Counselling): This service offers pregnant or post-partem women, non-judgmental, confidential and unbiased support. | 
