Child & Adolescent Psychology

Excellence in Child Clinical Psychology

Child and Adolescent Psychology and Therapy

Supporting Your Child or Teen Through Life’s Challenges

At Mindworx Psychology, we are passionate about helping children and teenagers navigate the complexities of growing up. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, school refusal, emotional regulation, or behavioural concerns, our team of child and adolescent psychologists provides trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, evidence-based therapies tailored to their needs.

Is Your Child or Teen Struggling?

As a parent, it can be tough to know how to support your child when they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or withdrawn. Some signs that your child or teenager might benefit from professional support include:

  • Persistent worries, anxiety, or panic attacks
  • Mood swings, sadness, or signs of depression
  • School avoidance, school refusal or a sudden drop in academic performance
  • Social withdrawal, friendship difficulties, or bullying
  • Defiance, anger outbursts, or behavioral concerns
  • Difficulty managing big emotions or coping with change

You’re not alone, and help is available. Our experienced child psychologists and teen therapists provide strategies that work – helping young people develop the confidence, resilience, and coping skills they need to thrive.

About Child Therapy & Clinical Psychologists for Teenagers

How We Help: Tailored Therapy for Children & Teens

At Mindworx Psychology, we use evidence-based approaches to support emotional wellbeing in children and teenagers. Our team of child psychologists and adolescent psychologists are experienced in working with children and adolescents to provide therapy.

Many of us have trained in a wide range of therapies and can offer programs such as:

  • Cool Kids Program
  • Chilled Program for Teens
  • Westmead Feelings Program
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapies
  • Circle of Security

Our experienced child psychologists and teen therapists provide strategies that work – helping young people develop the confidence, resilience, and coping skills they need to thrive.

What are anxiety disorders?

From infancy, through childhood and into adolescence, fears develop which parallel development in our children’s cognitive development. They also parallel development in social competencies and concerns.

This means that it is common for a 6 month old to be afraid of loud noises, or for separation anxiety to appear in toddlers. It’s common for fears of natural disasters to emerge around ages 5-7 years, and for performance and social rejection fears to emerge in middle childhood and adolescence.

But when anxiety persists, or seems extreme, it should be assessed.

Read more about childhood anxiety

Depression, Low mood and Mood Disorders in children and adolescents

Depression in childhood or adolescence can be a particularly distressing experience for both the young person and their family. The majority of young people do recover from depressive episodes within a year, but without appropriate support, depression can persist or return, impacting emotional well-being, relationships, and future opportunities.

Early Intervention Matters

Major depression can be recurrent, making early intervention essential. Left untreated, mood difficulties can increase the risk of self-harm or unhealthy coping strategies. Our treatment programs focus on building the skills needed to recognise, manage, and prevent relapse, helping young people regain a sense of control and resilience.

Recognising the Signs of Mood Disorders

Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. In young people, it can present as:

  • Irritability, anger, or frequent frustration
  • Loss of motivation or disinterest in usual activities
  • Changes in sleep patterns – too much or too little
  • Shifts in appetite or weight
  • Difficulties with concentration, school performance, or social interactions

A thorough assessment is key to understanding what’s going on. Some young people experience low-level but persistent symptoms, such as dysthymia, while others may have more extreme mood fluctuations. At Mindworx Psychology, we carefully screen for conditions such as bipolar disorder and emerging psychotic disorders, ensuring that young people receive the right support from the start.

Read more about depression and mood disorders

Trauma, adjustment disorders and PTSD in children and adolescents

We offer gold standard treatments for the treatment of all types of trauma. This is an interest area for many of our team who offer a range of therapies including EMDR, recommended as the first choice in trauma treatment by the World Health Organisation.

We offer a range of gold standard, evidence based treatments, delivered by friendly, empathetic and skilled psychologists in our safe and welcoming rooms.

Read more about Trauma, PTSD and treatment

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct & Behaviour Challenges in Children and Teens

All children and teenagers push boundaries from time to time – it’s a normal part of growing up. All behaviour is communication. But when defiant, aggressive, or challenging behaviours become persistent and disruptive at home, school, or in social settings, it may be a sign of a deeper issue that needs support.

At Mindworx Psychology, we work with children, adolescents, and families to understand the underlying causes of behaviour challenges and provide practical strategies to improve emotional regulation, impulse control, and relationships.

Understanding Behavioural Disorders

Some children and teens struggle with ongoing patterns of defiant or aggressive behaviour, often leading to difficulties with authority figures, friendships, and family relationships. Two of the most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorders we see are:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

ODD is characterised by a persistent pattern of defiance, hostility, and disobedience toward parents, teachers, or other authority figures. Children with ODD may:

  • Argue excessively with adults or refuse to follow rules
  • Deliberately annoy or provoke others
  • Blame others for mistakes or misbehaviour
  • Struggle to regulate emotions, leading to frequent anger or resentment

Conduct Disorder (CD)

Conduct Disorder involves more severe behavioural difficulties, including aggression toward others, rule-breaking, and disregard for social norms. Teens with conduct disorder may:

  • Engage in fights, bullying, or physical aggression
  • Show a lack of empathy or disregard for others’ feelings
  • Lie, steal, or engage in risky behaviours
  • Struggle with impulse control and anger management

Early intervention is key – without support, these challenges can escalate, affecting relationships, academic success, and long-term well-being.

What Causes Behavioural Difficulties?

Challenging behaviours rarely happen in isolation. Children and teens who struggle with emotional regulation, impulse control, or social difficulties may act out as a way of coping. Some contributing factors might include:

  • Neurodevelopmental differences – ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties
  • Emotional regulation difficulties – Trouble managing frustration, disappointment, or anxiety
  • Family stress or relationship dynamics – Family conflict, trauma, or inconsistent discipline
  • Social challenges – Difficulty making and maintaining friendships

How We Can Help

At Mindworx Psychology, we take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to understanding and managing behaviour challenges. Our psychologists help children and teens by:

  • Teaching emotional regulation & coping strategies – Helping them manage frustration and express emotions in healthier ways
  • Supporting parents with practical strategies – Strengthening communication, consistency, and boundary-setting at home
  • Collaborating with schools & educators – Providing guidance on managing behaviours in the classroom
  • Building social skills & self-awareness – Helping children and teens develop empathy, impulse control, and problem-solving skills

No child is bad. All behaviour is communication. With the right support, children and teens can learn new skills, build better relationships, and thrive.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your child or teen.

Grief & Loss in Children and Adolescents

Grief is a deeply personal experience, and for children and adolescents, it can be particularly complex. The loss of a loved one, a pet, a family separation, or even significant life changes – such as moving schools – can bring overwhelming emotions that young people may struggle to express or understand.

At Mindworx Psychology, we know that grief doesn’t follow a set timeline. Children and teenagers grieve in their own way and at their own pace – sometimes showing sadness, sometimes withdrawing, and sometimes expressing their pain through frustration, anxiety, or changes in behaviour.

Signs Your Child May Be Struggling With Grief

While grief is a natural response to loss, some young people find it especially difficult to process. Signs that your child or teen may need extra support include:

  • Emotional changes – Intense sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness
  • Behavioural shifts – Increased withdrawal, irritability, or acting out
  • Changes in sleep or appetite – Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or a loss of interest in food
  • Struggles at school – Difficulty concentrating, declining grades, or school refusal
  • Ongoing distress – Grief that feels “stuck” or overwhelming over time

How We Support Children & Teens Through Loss

We help young people navigate grief in a healthy way by providing a safe space to express their feelings and process their loss. Our psychologists use age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches to support children and adolescents, including:

  •  Therapeutic conversations & creative expression – Talking, drawing, storytelling, or play therapy to help younger children process emotions
  • Coping skills & emotional regulation – Teaching practical tools to manage waves of grief
  • Memory-making & meaning-making – Finding ways to honour and remember a loved one
  • Family guidance & parental support – Helping caregivers understand and support their child’s grief journey

Grief doesn’t mean forgetting – it means learning to carry love and loss in a way that allows healing. If your child or teen is struggling with grief, early support can help them feel less alone and develop the resilience to move forward in a way that feels right for them.

Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Building resilience in children at Mindworx Psychology

Performance coaching for gifted children

There are lots of gifted children in Sydney Hills District and across Australia. Having outstanding strengths in one, or multiple areas – academic or sport – can be something to be proud of.

But for many families, extra support and skills are needed to manage the demands that gift can bring. Some of our most talented athletes bring extraordinary levels of perfectionism and drive to the gym, or track, or field. And many have difficulty letting it go in situations where it may be less than useful. For some, the pressure of high level competition can feel overwhelming, and get in the way of doing their best.

That’s where performance coaching can bring great benefit.

Read more about performance coaching here

ADHD & Attention Challenges in Children and Adolescents

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, has been described in many ways over the years – sometimes as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), hyperkinetic disorder (HKD), or even minimal brain dysfunction. At Mindworx Psychology, we know that children are not their labels. Every child is unique, and their challenges with attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, or focus deserve to be understood in the context of who they are – not just a diagnosis. Our team of Psychologists include some who are ADHDers themselves.

When to Seek an Assessment

All children can be inattentive or impulsive at times, but when these difficulties persist beyond what’s typical for their age and start interfering with school, friendships, or family life, a formal assessment can provide valuable insights.

At Mindworx Psychology, our assessments and supports don’t just look for ADHD; we take a comprehensive approach to understanding what’s really going on. Some common challenges we explore include:

  • Difficulty focusing, staying on task, or following through on instructions
  • Struggles with emotional regulation, frustration, or outbursts
  • Impulsivity – acting before thinking or struggling to pause before reacting
  • Challenges with organisation, motivation, or remembering things
  • Restlessness or difficulty sitting still, especially in structured settings

A Holistic Approach to ADHD & Attention Difficulties

There is no single test for ADHD, which is why our psychologists use a range of assessments to gain a detailed, individualised picture of your child’s strengths and challenges. If ADHD criteria are met, we go deeper – because attention difficulties often overlap with other factors, such as:

  • Emotional regulation challenges – Is it trouble focusing, or difficulty managing emotions?
  • Executive functioning issues – Is it getting started, staying focused, or both?
  • Anxiety, learning difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or food intolerances – Are other conditions contributing to the problem?

We believe that understanding the full picture is the first step in helping children and adolescents thrive – not just cope. If you’re concerned about your child’s attention, focus, or impulse control, we’re here to help.

Early support can make a world of difference.

Read more about ADHD and ADD

Autism: Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergent Children and Teens

At Mindworx Psychology, we take a neuroaffirming, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to understanding and supporting autistic children and teenagers. We recognise that autism is a natural and valuable part of human diversity, not a disorder to be “fixed.” Every autistic child has a unique way of experiencing the world, and our goal is to support their strengths, reduce challenges, and help them thrive in environments that respect their neurodivergence.

Understanding Autism

Autistic children and teens often experience the world differently, particularly in areas like:

  • Thinking & Processing: Some prefer structured, logical ways of thinking, while others process information more visually or intuitively.
  • Communication & Social Interaction: Some may prefer deep, focused conversations over small talk or find social interactions tiring.
  • Routines & Predictability: Predictability can bring comfort, while unexpected changes may feel overwhelming.
  • Sensory Processing: Sights, sounds, textures, and smells may be experienced more intensely (hypersensitivity) or less intensely (hyposensitivity).
  • Regulation & Emotional Expression: Emotional responses may be strong and deep, requiring different ways to self-regulate and feel safe.

These differences are not deficits – but in a world designed for neurotypical ways of thinking and interacting, autistic young people often face misunderstandings, unmet needs, and emotional overwhelm.

When to Seek an Autism Assessment

Many families seek an autism assessment when they notice their child experiencing:

  • Social or communication differences – preferring solo activities, deep conversations about interests, or struggling with unspoken social rules.
  • Sensory sensitivities – strong reactions to noise, clothing textures, lights, or food.
  • Emotional overwhelm or shutdowns – difficulty managing change, transitions, or high-stimulation environments.
  • Intense focus & deep interests – passion for specific topics, often with in-depth knowledge.
  • Masking & exhaustion – appearing “fine” in structured environments (e.g., school) but struggling at home due to emotional exhaustion.

An autism assessment can help understand your child’s unique needs, strengths, and challenges – not as a label, but as a way to access the right supports, accommodations, and strategies that help them feel safe and understood.

Our Approach to Autism Assessments & Support

At Mindworx Psychology, we provide:

  • Comprehensive Autism Assessments – using gold-standard tools that recognise both traditional and less obvious presentations of autism, including in girls, non-binary individuals, and those who mask.
  • A Neuroaffirming Approach – We focus on understanding your child, not just diagnosing. Assessments explore their strengths, communication style, sensory profile, and executive functioning.
  • Practical Strategies & Support Plans – Personalised recommendations to support your child at home, school, and in social settings.
  • Family & Parent Support – Guidance and support groups to help parents create an autism-friendly environment that reduces stress and nurtures strengths.
  • School Collaboration – We teach and deliver keynotes to educators, schools and businesses across Australia. We are passionate about helping others understand learning differences, sensory needs, and accommodations that enable success.

We believe that autistic children and teens don’t need to change who they are to fit in – environments and expectations need to change to support them. Our goal is to empower families, educators, and young people themselves to advocate for and implement supports that foster self-acceptance, emotional well-being, and success on their terms.

Next Steps: Testing, Diagnosis & Ongoing Support

If you’re seeking an autism assessment or want support for your child’s emotional regulation, sensory needs, or school accommodations, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about autism assessments, diagnosis, and ongoing support. Understanding leads to empowerment – and every autistic child deserves to thrive.

Sleep Problems in Children & Adolescents

Good sleep is essential for a child’s emotional well-being, brain development, and overall health. Yet, many children and teenagers struggle with sleep problems, from difficulty falling asleep to frequent night wakings or feeling exhausted during the day. When sleep challenges persist, they can affect mood, attention, learning, and behavior, making everyday life more difficult for both young people and their families.

At Mindworx Psychology, we help children, teens, and parents understand the root causes of sleep difficulties and develop strategies for restful, healthy sleep habits.

Common Sleep Challenges in Young People

While occasional sleep struggles are normal, persistent sleep issues can signal an underlying concern. Some common sleep difficulties include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia) – Taking a long time to fall asleep, often due to anxiety, overthinking, or difficulty winding down.
  • Frequent night wakings – Waking up multiple times during the night and struggling to go back to sleep.
  • Early morning waking – Waking too early and being unable to return to sleep.
  • Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) – A common issue in teenagers, where their body clock shifts later, making it hard to sleep before midnight and wake up early for school.
  • Nightmares & night terrors – Disruptive dreams or sudden night wakings that cause distress.
  • Restless or poor-quality sleep – Tossing and turning, frequent waking, or feeling unrefreshed after sleep.

Long-term sleep issues can impact mood, attention, memory, and emotional regulation, making it harder for children and teenagers to thrive at school and in daily life.

What Causes Sleep Problems?

Sleep disturbances can be linked to many factors, including:

  • Anxiety & stress – Worries or an overactive mind preventing relaxation.
  • Screen time & technology use – Blue light exposure from phones, tablets, or gaming before bed disrupting melatonin production.
  • Poor sleep habits – Inconsistent bedtime routines, late-night studying, or irregular sleep patterns.
  • Neurodevelopmental differences – Children with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities often struggle with sleep regulation.
  • Environmental factors – Noise, temperature, or an uncomfortable sleep space.

How We Help

At Mindworx Psychology, we use evidence-based strategies to help children, teens, and parents develop better sleep habits and address the root causes of sleep difficulties. Our approach includes:

  • Cognitive-behavioral strategies for sleep (CBT-I) – Teaching children and teens how to manage anxiety and racing thoughts at bedtime.
  • Anxiety management – Beating fears of the dark, seperation anxiety and settling to sleep
  • Screen & technology management – Helping young people create healthy boundaries with screens before bed.
  • Relaxation techniques – Guided relaxation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises to calm the nervous system.
  • Building a healthy sleep routine – Establishing consistent sleep schedules and bedtime habits to support natural sleep cycles
  • Parent guidance & support – Helping families implement effective strategies to improve their child’s sleep quality.

A good night’s sleep can make a world of difference to a child’s mood, focus, and overall well-being. If your child or teenager is struggling with sleep, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can support your family.

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders such as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder are serious mental health conditions.

ARFID is characterised by a pattern of eating that avoids certain foods or food groups entirely and/or is restricted in quantity (eating small amounts). It commonly develops during infancy or early childhood, and can also persist into adolescence and adulthood. Whilst the exact causes of ARFID are unknown, it is thought that people who develop ARFID do so because of sensory sensitivity, fear of negative consequences or a lack of interest in eating. For example, they might be very sensitive to the taste, texture or appearance of certain types of food, or have had a distressing experience with food, such as choking, vomiting, infant acid reflux or other gastrointestinal conditions  – this may cause the person to develop feelings of fear and anxiety around food, and lead to them to avoiding food.

Other eating disorders typically have their onset in adolescence, and involve distorted thoughts and behaviours around food, body image, and self-worth, which can significantly impact both physical health and emotional well-being. Some eating disorders share an over-evaluation of body shape and weight, with self-worth being attributed to personal attributes.

Early intervention is crucial, as treatment can help prevent long-term health risks and improve recovery outcomes.

Signs to Look For

Eating disorders often involve distinct patterns of thinking and behaviour, including:

  • Preoccupation with food, eating, or body image
  • A sense of losing control over eating habits
  • Perfectionism and self-criticism
  • Mood changes, anxiety, or withdrawal from social interactions
  • Changes in peer relationships, family dynamics, or school performance

Some physical complications may not be immediately visible, making professional support essential. At Mindworx Psychology we take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to treating eating disorders and will work in conjunction with your GP, including if appropriate, using a Medicare Eating Disorder Treatment Plan which supports a care team including a paediatrician and dietician.

Read more about eating disorders

Find the Right Psychologist for Your Child

Choosing a Child or Teen Psychologist

We understand getting the right fit of child psychologist or adolescent psychologist will be important. Both you and your child need to be comfortable with the person you choose, and comfortable with the methods of assessment and the type of treatment or therapy chosen.

Our team is trauma-informed and neuroaffirming. Skills building is a large part of cognitive behavioural therapy. Our team also draw from other types of therapy, such as DBT, ACT, EMDR and others to help your child achieve their goals.

Our intakes officer will take the time to ensure that you are properly matched.

How to get referred to our child and adolescent psychologists

Your child’s psychologist

We are an accredited Specialist Allied Health and Behaviour Support provider for NSW public schools. Our child and adolescent psychologists work closely with primary schools, preschools and high schools in the Hills District, and across Sydney to improve the mental wellbeing of children of all ages – from preschool through to teenagers.

When coming to our private practice for face to face, or for telehealth support:

  • No referral is required: Children and families may opt to work privately with our team of child and adolescent psychologists.
  • Referral from GP or Paediatrician – allows for Medicare rebate claiming

Children and teens may be referred to us through their school, paediatrician or GP for help and support. We often work in conjunction with the school learning support team, school counsellors and with class teachers. When necessary, we can visit schools or pre-schools to conduct assessments or to ensure a collaborative approach to solving problems.

A collaborative, holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing underpins our work. We want to read any reports you have already received from an OT, Speech Pathologist or Paediatrician. We always recommend that your child or teen has a GP check up, as well as an eye check and a hearing test prior to your appointment. We believe excellence in clinical psychology assessments starts with a very wide lens – and that involves the careful collection of evidence, as well as timely liaison with your child’s team.

Ready for Change?

You’re not alone, and help is available.

At Mindworx Psychology, we are passionate about helping children and teenagers navigate the complexities of growing up. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, school refusal, emotional regulation, or behavioural concerns, our team of child and adolescent psychologists provides trauma-informed, neuroaffirming, evidence-based therapies tailored to their needs.

Child Counselling

Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology involves counselling, but our counselling skills are not the entirety of treatment. We use counselling skills to deliver evidence based treatments that make a difference – and bring change. We want to solve your child or teenager’s problems, not just talk them through. For that reason, Clinical Psychology for children often involves the building of skills for life.

All of our Psychologists offer a wide range of therapies. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotion Focused Therapy… the list is long.

The good news is that you don’t have to work out what your child will need – based on symptoms, problems, and goals, your therapist will use an eclectic, tailored mix of gold standard therapies. We know one size doesn’t fit everyone, and we understand that the goal in seeking help is to get better – whatever that means for your unique situation.

If you are ready for change, we are here to help. We look forward to talking with you.

To make an appointment call us on 02 7801 3481 or request an appointment using our online form

Our Location

Suite 206, 10 Century Circuit, Norwest Central, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2155

Appointment Times

Monday – Thursday 8:00AM – 8:00PM
Friday 8:00AM – 7:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM – 3:00PM

Fees & Insurance

You do not need a GP referral to book an appointment at Mindworx Psychology.

Medicare Rebates are available if you have a valid referral from a GP, Psychiatrist or Paediatrician.

Your Private Health Fund may offer cover for Psychology Services – you can check this directly with your fund.