Child Behaviour Therapy and Counselling
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

If your child's behaviour has become harder to manage, more intense, or is starting to affect home or school, it can be difficult to know what to do next.

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Changes in behaviour can reflect how a child is coping with what is happening around them. This may be related to anxiety, frustration, feeling overwhelmed, sensory differences or difficulty managing strong emotions.

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, we provide child behaviour therapy and counselling for children, adolescents and families across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Our clinicians take the time to understand what may be contributing to the behaviour and what your child may be finding difficult to express.

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What might I notice in my child?

 

Children and teenagers often communicate distress through behaviour rather than words. You might notice:

• Aggression or verbal conflict

• Emotional outbursts or meltdowns

• Withdrawal, shutdown or avoidance

• Defiance, lying or rule-breaking

• Difficulty following instructions or transitions

• School refusal or avoidance

• Conflict with parents, teachers or peers

 

Over time, these patterns can impact relationships at home, how your child experiences school, and their sense of self-confidence.

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What is behind my child's behaviour?

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Behaviour does not occur in isolation. It can be influenced by a child's emotions, developmental stage and what is happening around them. When a child is finding something difficult to manage, changes in behaviour may be one of the first things parents notice.

 

Contributing factors may include:

• Anxiety, depression or feeling overwhelmed

• Difficulties with confidence, self-worth or perfectionism

• ADHD, autism or sensory differences

• The impact of trauma

• Stress, change or transitions

• Difficulty expressing what they are feeling, particularly in younger children

 

What if my child has oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

 

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) involves a persistent pattern of angry, irritable, argumentative or defiant behaviour. This may include frequent arguments with adults, refusing requests or rules, blaming others, or becoming easily annoyed or angry.

 

ODD may also occur alongside anxiety, ADHD, emotional regulation difficulties or other challenges. When considering oppositional defiant disorder treatment, it is important to understand the individual child, the situations in which the behaviour occurs and other factors that may be contributing to it.

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Why does my child's behaviour change at school?

 

School can place additional demands on a child's ability to cope. Academic expectations, peer relationships and daily transitions can all contribute to changes in behaviour at school, at home or both.

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Some children work hard to manage throughout the school day and then become overwhelmed once they return home. Others find structured school environments, social situations or transitions particularly difficult.

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When difficulties around school begin affecting attendance, they may also present as school refusal or school avoidance.

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How does child behaviour counselling help?

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Child behaviour counselling can help children and families better understand what may be contributing to changes in behaviour and develop practical strategies to manage these difficulties. Together, you and your child's clinician can explore patterns in behaviour and identify approaches suited to your child's age and individual needs.

 

Child behaviour counselling may involve:

• Understanding the emotions, experiences or situations contributing to behaviour

• Developing strategies for managing strong emotions and overwhelm

• Supporting emotional regulation and communication

• Developing practical strategies for difficulties at home or school

• Supporting parents with strategies they can use at home

• Addressing anxiety, avoidance or other difficulties where appropriate

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Our psychologists and counsellors draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play-based approaches and trauma-informed approaches, depending on what is most appropriate for the individual child.

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Some families may also benefit from family counselling to support communication and consistency at home.

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Child behaviour counselling in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire

 

If you have been searching for child behaviour therapy, help with oppositional defiant disorder or a child psychologist near you, our registered psychologists, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers and counsellors work with children, adolescents and families across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.

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We work with families from Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Gymea, Sutherland, Cronulla and Sylvania, as well as the neighbouring St George area. Appointments are available in person at our Sutherland Shire practice and online across Australia.

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If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist.  Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.

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If you are worried about immediate risk, please call 000. For 24/7 support, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).