CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES

Support of children and adolescents aged 4-16 years who may be experiencing a range of developmental, emotional, behavioural or social difficulties. 

We are committed to providing psychological treatment designed to help children thrive. Collaboration with families and other support networks is highly valued.

Comprehensive developmental assessments are also offered for children where there are concerns for developmental delay.

Some common areas that psychological support may be helpful include:

• Emotional distress and behavioural challenges
• Anxiety
• Mood difficulties
• Low self-esteem 
• Sleep difficulties
• Struggles with confidence, friendships or school
• Challenges adjusting to life changes
• Separation anxiety
• Parent-child relationship challenges

For children experiencing health conditions or medical treatment, therapy can also support adjustment to illness, hospital care and the emotional impact of ongoing medical experiences.  

Caring for a child with health, developmental or emotional challenges can be both rewarding and overwhelming, and parents often need support too. 

Psychological support provides a space for parents to reflect on their experiences, develop helpful coping strategies, and feel more supported as they care for their child and family.

Support is also available for parents navigating the challenges of their child’s medical condition. Kim has experience in supporting parents in their adjustment to new medical diagnoses for their child. Drawing on her experience working with parents in the NICU and running parent groups for families of young children with complex medical conditions, Kim adopts the approach of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Parent coaching is also offered for parents of children and adolescents with ADHD and Autism. These sessions focus on strengthening understanding of neurodivergence, supporting connection with your child, and promoting family wellbeing.

Many parents are also neurodivergent themselves, and support can be tailored to recognise and respect different ways of thinking, processing and parenting. 

Support for children and adolescents with ADHD, Autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. Therapy is neuro-affirming and strengths-based, helping young people better understand their minds, build confidence and develop practical strategies for everyday life. 

 Areas of focus may include:
• helping children and adolescents understand their neurodivergence in a positive and empowering way
• supporting neurodivergent girls, whose experiences are sometimes overlooked or misunderstood
• developing emotional regulation and executive functioning strategies
• working collaboratively with schools to support learning and wellbeing 

Living with a bowel or bladder condition can be challenging for children and families. Psychological support can help children feel more confident and supported in managing their condition. 

Dr Kim-Michelle Gilson has extensive experience supporting children and adolescents with complex bowel and bladder conditions.

This may include children with:
• chronic constipation
• encopresis (faecal soiling)
• anorectal malformations
• Hirschsprung disease
• complex urological conditions

Psychological support may focus on:
• building self-esteem and positive self-concept
• helping children understand their condition
• preparation for medical procedures or surgery
• coping with intrusive medical treatments
• managing medical anxiety or treatment-related trauma
• reducing toilet-related anxiety

For more information about this specialist service, please visit Colorectal Psychology.