Psychotherapy for Children & Adolescents
Children experience challenges at school or emerging psychological difficulties that can be effectively addressed through therapy and family-focused interventions.
"The child, when she plays, is in a relationship with the desire of the Other, and it is within this game that we must listen to her." Jacques Lacan
Information for Parents About Child & Adolescent Treatment
Bita is a child psychologist in Melbourne, she offers treatment and interventions for children aged five and older, addressing challenges such as peer conflicts, attention difficulties, ADHD tendencies, and struggles with classroom instructions. Behavioral concerns, such as defiance or disagreeableness, often reflect underlying issues that can be uncovered and addressed through early intervention. My approach is psychoanalytic, considering the unconscious dynamics that manifest in a child’s behavior within the child and the family's relevant contexts.
To begin, book an appointment with child psychologist Melbourne, where we can discuss your observations and concerns privately. I will gather a detailed history of your child’s family, education, and background to discuss my specific recommendations. As part of this work together, I may work with your child’s educators or suggest family consultations in my practice to address relational dynamics at home or at school, to foster meaningful interventions. Parental or guardian involvement is integral for this to work, and I will guide you through as I get to know more about you and your child's particular situation, difficulties and relevant social issues in each session as we work together.
Child Psychologist Melbourne: Expertise
As a psychologist working with children in Melbourne, I commenced my clinical training and internship many years ago, working in primary schools with children facing a range of complex challenges, including autism spectrum, severe developmental issues, attentional difficulties, ADHD, psychotic disorders, anxiety, and depression. In my experience, these difficulties were sometimes triggered from significant transitions or changes within the family, such as illness, the loss of a loved one, migration, or even the passing of a family pet - events that carry profound meaning and importance for children and families. I provide individual psychotherapy for children and regularly met with one or both parents to discuss concerns.
My approach is based in psychoanalytic theory, which emphasizes the important role of family dynamics, relationships and childhood experiences. A key aspect of treatment with me is ensuring that the entire family is aligned in supporting the child’s therapeutic journey. I am here to listen, understand, and address the challenges emerging within your family in the sessions.
Child Psychologist Melbourne: FAQs About Sessions & Structure
Effective treatment benefits from a supportive and collaborative approach. I am here to understand and help address the challenges you face regarding your child.
What is the session structure with Bita?
The first step is to book an appointment to indicate whether you prefer to see Bita, Psychologist in Hawthorn or Belgrave practice. Ideally, both parents should attend the initial session. If one parent is overseas, we can arrange a hybrid session to ensure their participation. In cases where only one parent is involved, or if there are family intervention orders or separated families, I can conduct separate interviews with each parent.
It’s essential to understand that children exist within a family context, and the interventions I recommend often involve family discussions in my consulting room. Meeting with both parents is clinically important to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Please complete the booking form to begin the process. I’ll ring back to confirm a time with you. You are responsible for coordinating your joint attendance.
What do we need to bring to the first session?
Please do not bring the child to the first session. I always meet with the parents first. You can bring any relevant documents, such as school letters, reports, or copies of intervention orders. Please ensure you bring copies.
Please note that no Medicare rebates apply for this session. Rebates are only available for diagnosed mental health conditions where the child is receiving treatment. In some cases, the issue may be addressed initially by meeting with the parents on a weekly basis, with the child seen at a later time. I will make these considerations during our session. There are no single-session interventions.
What do the child sessions involve with Bita?
If I am treating your child directly at either Hawthorn psychology or Belgrave practice, I will meet with them on a weekly basis. During these sessions, we may use a combination of play therapy and talking to explore the issues they are facing. The approach will be tailored to your child's needs and developmental stage.
I don’t get along with the other parent, and we have different parenting styles. Do they have to come?
Parental disagreements are important and may be relevant to discuss in the session. However, parent sessions with me are distinct from couple therapy sessions. If it is determined that both parents need therapy, I can address that directly with each parent during the session.
For the purpose of addressing issues related to your child, it’s important to focus on the child’s needs and the perspectives shared by the parents or other caregivers. Disagreements between parents should be kept separate and discussed in your own therapy sessions.
Can I use Medicare rebates for my child's sessions?
You can obtain a GP referral letter for your child when the psychologist is providing direct treatment to the child. Referrals are optional. The referral must be written in the child's name with a clear diagnosis. For rebate requirements and details on what needs to be included in a valid referral letter see Medicare FAQs.
However, Medicare has strict criteria on how the rebates can be used:
Child sessions: The child session rebate applies only to direct treatment with the child and cannot be used for parent sessions, eventhough those sessions are necessary and inform the child's treatment. Medicare does not determine the treatment or type of intervention. The psychologist makes recommendations regarding the treatment, including session structure and frequency.
The government sets the rules on how the rebates can be used to cap Medicare funding. Medicare only gives six rebates but more sessions are needed to address a long-standing issue (see rebates FAQs).
If parents are seen separately: a parent may be eligible to obtain a referral for themselves. The referral must be written in the person's name with a clear diagnosis. (see valid Medicare referral checklist FAQ).
Sessions with both parents present: in some instances, one parent may obtain a referral under one parent's name to access rebates for sessions involving both parents. The referral must be written in the person's name with a clear diagnosis. Medicare rules still apply (see valid referral FAQ).