Child, Teenager, Parent & Family Therapy

Many kids have problems that affect their lives i.e., how they learn, think, feel and act. Kids come to therapy to help them feel better and treat their problems.

The parent(s) only will meet with the psychologist for the initial evaluation.  

During the session the psychologist will ask questions about your child’s current issues and background information such as family, medical or school concerns. Open communication helps the psychologist understand how to best help.  

Our purpose is to help your child, so please ensure you communicate with the psychologist all of your concerns. If you have questions at any time, please don’t hesitate to ask your psychologist.

The first session is for parents / caregivers only.  Children generally start therapy in the second session.

Frequency, length, and duration of therapy depends on a few factors; the complexity of the presenting issues, the orientation and motivation of the children and whānau attending therapy. Some children with mild challenges may take 6-12 sessions before their therapy goals are met, for others, more ongoing work may be needed.

In order to achieve therapy goals, consistency is the key. We understand that it can be difficult to incorporate a therapy schedule into your weekly routine on top of all the other responsibilities and commitments you may already have. However, the more regular your child’s attendance, the more likely he/she/they will make therapeutic progress. 

Most of the time, a therapist will meet with your child once a week for at least three months. Change takes time it will take quite a few therapy sessions for your child to learn new skills, practice them and use them readily.

A standard session is 50 minutes, 

The initial session is for parents only and may sometimes take 90 minutes to allow the psychologist time to understand the situation clearly. This extra time also allows you to get to know each other.  

The fee for the session covers not just the contact time but also preparation, resources, and the writing of therapy notes.

Younger kids learn by doing. This could be sand-tray, making stuff, drawing, playing, reading together and talking. 

For older kids and teenagers, therapists share activities and ideas that focus on the skills they need. They mainly do ‘talk therapy’ and solve school and home problems this way.   

There are many different approaches and the therapists are skilled at utilising what works best for your child.​

No, as we are a private service you can self-refer. 

Sometimes a doctor may suggest therapy and they send a letter of referral with your consent.

We are a private practice so do not receive government or other funding. 

Overhead costs in a private practice are high. If your budget does not stretch to private therapy, ask your GP whether they think your child is likely to meet criteria for a referral to your local District Health Board.  

A psychologist is a highly trained professional who has completed a minimum of 7 years university study. Our clinical psychologists complete an undergraduate degree and a preparatory year specialising in Clinical Psychology before entry into the three-year DClinPsy program.

You will receive an invoice the Monday following your child’s assessment. The invoice must be paid in full. Invoices can be paid by direct debit or online credit card (credit card payments incur a 2.9% surcharge).