Parental Support
Supporting Parents as They Support Their Children
Parenting a child with emotional, behavioural or neurodevelopmental needs can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be confusing, stressful and exhausting. Many parents tell us they feel like they are doing everything they can but still struggle to understand what their child needs. Others feel isolated, overwhelmed or unsure about how to respond to challenging moments.
Our practice provides support specifically for parents. We help you make sense of your child’s behaviour, understand what might be driving it and develop strategies that are clear, achievable and tailored to your family. The goal is not perfection. It is confidence, connection and clarity.
Parent sessions give you a space to be heard without judgement and to ask the questions you may not feel comfortable asking anywhere else.
Why Parental Support Matters
Children do best when the adults around them feel informed, consistent and supported. When parents understand why certain behaviours are happening, they can respond calmly rather than reactively. This creates a more predictable environment for the child and reduces stress across the whole family.
Many parents seek support when they notice:
• ongoing emotional outbursts or meltdowns
• conflict around routines, transitions or expectations
• stress at school or difficulty with friendships
• challenges related to ASD, ADHD or learning differences
• avoidance, anxiety or withdrawal
• sleep or appetite changes
• behaviour that feels unpredictable or intense
Having guidance can make a significant difference in how families manage these difficulties.
What We Help Parents With
Understanding Behaviour
Children communicate through their actions long before they have the language for complex emotions. We help you understand what the behaviour means and what might be happening beneath the surface. This allows you to respond in a way that supports growth rather than triggering more distress.
Building Emotional Regulation Strategies
Parents learn how to support co-regulation, create calm routines and guide their child through big feelings. These strategies help children develop stronger coping skills over time.
Reducing Household Stress
We work with you to create predictable routines, clear expectations and practical adjustments that reduce conflict. Small changes often create a noticeable difference in the home environment.
Communication and Connection
We help parents develop scripts, conversation guides and communication approaches that support the child’s needs. These tools are especially helpful for children with ASD, ADHD, anxiety or trauma histories.
Managing Challenging Behaviours
You will learn how to respond to high-intensity behaviour, how to set boundaries in a supportive way and how to prevent escalation before it happens.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Many parents feel unsure how to support a child with sensory needs, executive functioning difficulties or social challenges. We explain these areas clearly and provide practical strategies for home, school and community settings.
Parent Coaching and Problem Solving
Some sessions focus on real-life examples and step-by-step planning. We work with the situations you are facing right now and help you develop strategies that work for your family’s unique rhythm.
Support Through the NDIS Process
For families accessing the NDIS, parental support often includes:
• understanding functional needs
• learning how to advocate effectively
• clarifying goals for plan reviews
• interpreting assessment results
• communicating with schools and support teams
We help you feel confident navigating the system, especially if you are new to it or feeling overwhelmed.
Parent Sessions Can Be Helpful For
• emotional regulation challenges
• ADHD-related behaviour or impulsivity
• ASD-related sensory or communication difficulties
• anxiety, school avoidance or separation difficulties
• sibling conflict or family system stress
• complex home routines
• transitions between schools or year levels
• parents wanting guidance without the child present
Some families use parent sessions alongside the child’s therapy. Others use parent-only sessions as the primary form of support. Both are beneficial.